Gas prices may rise and fall, but saving money at the pump is always possible when you approach fueling with the right strategies. From timing your fill-ups to combining rewards programs with cashback apps, here are the most effective ways to cut down your fuel expenses without sacrificing convenience.
Choose the Right Day and Time to Buy Gas
Studies from GasBuddy and AAA have shown that gas prices often spike before weekends and holidays. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings tend to be the cheapest times to fill up. By avoiding busy Friday afternoons or holiday travel rushes, you can shave several dollars off your monthly fuel costs.
Join Gas Station Loyalty Programs
Major gas stations such as Shell Fuel Rewards, BPme Rewards, and Exxon Mobil Rewards+ offer discounts per gallon when you sign up for their free loyalty programs. These savings can stack with other tools, giving you a double benefit at the pump.
Use Cashback Apps to Multiply Your Savings
Beyond loyalty programs, cashback apps are one of the easiest ways to keep more money in your pocket. Apps like Rakuten and Ibotta reward you for everyday purchases, including gas. With Fluz, you can buy gas gift cards for the exact amount you need at checkout and earn cashback with a BP gift card or get rewards with an ExxonMobil gift card instantly. Since Fluz works with a wide range of fuel partners, it’s one of the simplest ways to earn while you spend.
Plan Smarter Routes
Idling in traffic and unnecessary detours eat into your fuel budget. Apps like Waze and Google Maps can help you avoid congestion and shorten your commute. Even saving just five minutes of stop-and-go traffic per trip can improve your fuel efficiency.
Maintain Your Vehicle
Basic car maintenance directly affects how far your tank will take you. Keeping tires inflated to the recommended PSI, replacing air filters, and scheduling oil changes on time can improve fuel efficiency by up to 10%.
Combine Strategies for Maximum Impact
The biggest savings come when you layer these methods together. For example, fill up mid-week, swipe your gas station rewards card, and then use Fluz to earn cashback with a Chevron gift card. Over the course of a year, these combined strategies can save the average driver hundreds of dollars.
