Gas prices around Michigan have surged near $5 a gallon and sometimes more than that, stirring anger in drivers and a feeling there isn’t much they can do to counter the trend.
But AAA Michigan and others said consumers can take steps to get more out of their tank of gas. The following are AAA’s tips:
Shop for the best prices
Look for online tools like the AAA Gas Price Finder, which helps to locate the lowest-cost fuel near you. There are online trackers such as GasBuddy.com.
Use credit card or member reward perks
Many credit cards have rewards programs that offer cash back, points or miles on certain purchases. Some credit cards have bonus categories that offer more rewards that include gas. You could earn up to 5% or more rewards using your credit card each time you go to the pump. Check your current card to learn more about your rewards program.
Check out gas station loyalty programs
Some gas stations and grocery stores have loyalty programs that give you discounts at the pump for buying stuff you have to buy anyway. Typically, these are completely free but require signing up. Consumers just make purchases and rack up points to get a discount per gallon.
Get a warehouse membership
Bulk-buy stores such as BJ’s, Costco and Sam’s Club offer discounted gas prices to their members for a price. Calculate how much you’d save each time you fill up and how many times you’d have to fill your tank to pay for the annual membership, AAA advises.
Combine errands instead of taking separate trips
Combining errands, such as going to the Post Office, getting coffee or dropping kids at school, can save time and fuel compared with making separate trips for each one. “The fewer trips you make running errands, the less you’ll pay in gas,” according to AAA. “Those small savings add up.”
Ensure your tires are properly inflated
Underinflated tires hurt mileage. For every 1 psi missing from your car’s set of tires, you lose 0.1% of your gas mileage, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Your tires also wear down faster. Properly inflated tires can improve your gas mileage 3.3% or more.
Don’t idle your vehicle
Running your vehicle while not driving burns fuel. Don’t text on your phone and do idle activities with the car running if you aren’t going anywhere. Instead, turn off the vehicle and save fuel.
Buy regular unleaded gas
Buy regular unleaded gas because it is the cheapest gas unless your vehicle requires premium gas or diesel. The difference is often 50 cents a gallon or more, according to AAA.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Here are 8 ways to save money on gas
Reporting by Richard Burr, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
