If you want to cut costs at the pump, download one of these gas apps that helps you save on gas.
Whether you’re planning a road trip or just want to save more money this year at the pump, the following apps can help you.
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Top Gas Apps
Here are some apps to save on gas to consider.
1. GasBuddy
GasBuddy is probably one of the more well-known apps to help save you gas. It’s a crowdsourced app, meaning it gets much of its information from actual users.
The app is great because it also shows you where the best gas prices are and saves you a few cents for each gallon.
With Pay with GasBuddy+, you can save 3 cents per gallon guaranteed, 5 cents per gallon at select stations, and up to 33 cents per gallon with a Deal Alert.
In addition to helping you find cheaper gas prices based on your location, GasBuddy also helps you find the closest locations, friendliest service, cleanest restrooms, and more.
They offer real-time gas prices based on your location.
Their website also has a number of handy tools for you to browse through, including a trip cost calculator for your next long road trip and handy gas price charts.
2. Upside
Upside is a money-saving app that helps you find the best deals on more than just gas. Using the app, you can earn cash back on gas nationwide.
It also has unique cash-back offers and works slightly differently than the other apps mentioned in this list. You claim an offer in the app, then pay with a linked card.
When you fill up, Upside tracks the purchase through your linked card, and your earnings can be cashed out to a bank account or redeemed for gift cards.
It can help you save up to 35 percent at restaurants and 15 percent at grocery stores near your home.
3. Waze
You’re thinking, “Waze can help me find cheap gas?” That’s right, the popular Google-owned crowdsourced navigation app can direct you to the cheapest gas station.
Waze lets you set your preferred gas stations (and even gas type) and sort by price or distance.
Then, Waze shows you the best route to get there. Waze is great for road trips because it shows you how many minutes each gas station is off your route and the price of gas at that particular location.
If you drive over to one of their partner gas stations, you can save up on “Waze-only” deals too.
4. AAA TripTik® Planner
AAA has a feature called TripTik® Planner, which is part of their app. It helps you plan a road trip, allows you to plot trips with multiple stops, shows you the best places to stop for gas and gives you an efficient route.
They list gas stations in their database and also give you updated gas prices so you can easily pick and choose.
You don’t need to be a member to use TripTik®, but to access the full app, you need to join.
The user-friendly app allows you to find the best prices for gas in your neighborhood, to and from your office, and on road trips.
In addition to helping you find the best gas prices, the app comes with navigation features like making restaurant reservations, ordering food, using voice-guided GPS, alternative routes in real-time traffic conditions, and more.
5. GEICO Mobile
Car insurance company Geico has an app that helps you find the best gas prices in your area. You can find prices in real-time, and Geico uses gas prices provided by the Oil Price Information Service.
You can find gas stations near you by going to their website or by downloading their app and finding the feature for the gas price locator.
Tips That Help You Save on Fuel
Not only can finding cheap gas help you save money, but you can also take action to make your car as fuel-efficient as possible.
1. Check Your Tire Pressure
Check your tire pressure every few months before you go on a long road trip. Luckily, many cars alert you if the pressure is not at a certain level.
Regardless, you should check it to make sure they’re not too flat. This affects fuel efficiency.
2. Don’t Use Your Car As a Storage
Reduce the amount of things you have in your trunk. The heavier your car is, the more gas you’re wasting.
If it’s summer and you still have those heavy snow chains in your trunk, you’re wasting gas, so take it out and lighten the load.
3. Be Mindful of Idling
Be careful about how much you’re idling. We’ve all been there. You’re sitting in your car, picking up a friend, and idling outside her house for 10 mins.
Be aware of moments like these. Shut off your engine when you’re sitting around in your car, not moving.
Even if it’s winter and you’re trying to warm up your engine, be mindful of how long you’re doing this, and don’t excessively idle.
4. Use Cruise Control on Long Trips
If your car has it, try using cruise control more often. After all, it’s a computer controlling your speed rather than your foot.
Cruise control offers a steady speed that can save fuel because you’re not speeding up or slowing down constantly. A study by Edmunds revealed you can save 7 percent, by using cruise control on long trips.
5. Don’t Drive Aggressively
Driving fast and accelerating or stopping suddenly wastes fuel, so slow it down and be aware of how you maneuver around town.
You can save roughly 15 to 30 percent on the highway and 10 to 40 percent in stop-and-go traffic, according to FuelEconomy.gov. Plus, no one likes the guy weaving in and out of traffic, as if their life depends on it.
6. Consider Switching to a Hybrid
If you are too obsessed with fuel efficiency, why not consider switching to an electric car or hybrid?
These days, a hybrid like a Prius can get strong fuel economy, which can lower your annual fuel costs compared with a less efficient car.
I drove a 2005 model Prius for years and loved the gas mileage I was getting (and the money I was saving). The gas tank was only nine gallons, so each time I filled it up, it only cost $30 or so.
This could save you even more money if you drive a lot or as a side hustle.
Summary
Finding the best gas prices in your area can save you money and improve your financial wellness. These apps can help you make sure you score the best gas prices.
Better yet, take it to the next level by making your car as fuel-efficient as possible.
