How to save money on gas and transportation costs?
Save money on gas and transportation by using GasBuddy and Upside apps (5-25 cents per gallon), joining grocery fuel rewards from Kroger and Safeway (10-30 cents off per gallon), keeping tires at proper PSI (improves mileage 3%), combining errands, and using public transit passes (pre-tax commuter benefits up to $315 per month in 2024). EV drivers can save 50-70% versus gas with off-peak home charging.
In This Guide:
1. Use Apps and Fuel Reward Programs
The GasBuddy app lists real-time gas prices near you, typically saving 5-20 cents per gallon by steering you to the cheapest station. Upside (formerly GetUpside) offers cash back of 5-25 cents per gallon at participating stations, paid via PayPal or bank transfer. Join grocery fuel reward programs: Kroger Fuel Points, Safeway Gas Rewards, and Albertsons give 10-30 cents off per gallon for every $100 spent on groceries (some offer up to $1 off per gallon during promotions). Stack with warehouse club gas (Costco, Sam's Club) which typically runs 10-30 cents below local average. Sign up for gas station rewards like Shell Fuel Rewards and Exxon Mobil Rewards+ for additional cents-per-gallon discounts.
- Download GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas nearby
- Use Upside for 5-25 cents cash back per gallon
- Join Kroger, Safeway, or Albertsons fuel reward programs
- Fill up at Costco or Sam's Club for 10-30 cents below average
- Stack Shell Fuel Rewards and Exxon Mobil Rewards+ for extra discounts
- Stack grocery fuel points with warehouse club gas for maximum savings
- Upside pays cash back via PayPal or bank transfer within 24-48 hours
2. Maintain Your Vehicle and Combine Trips
Proper tire inflation improves gas mileage by about 3%, and a tune-up can add 4-40% depending on what was wrong. Replace air filters every 15,000-30,000 miles (up to 10% mileage gain), use the recommended motor oil grade, and remove roof racks when unused to reduce drag. Drive smoothly - aggressive acceleration and braking cut mileage by 15-30% on highways and 10-40% in stop-and-go traffic. Keep highway speed at or below 65 mph; each 5 mph over 50 is like paying $0.20 more per gallon. Combine errands into single trips, since cold starts burn extra fuel, and carpool or work from home 1-2 days per week to slash monthly mileage.
- Check tire pressure monthly and inflate to the door sticker PSI
- Replace air filters every 15,000-30,000 miles
- Use the recommended motor oil grade for your engine
- Remove roof racks and cargo boxes when not in use
- Combine errands into single trips and keep speed under 65 mph
- Each 5 mph over 50 mph is like paying $0.20 more per gallon
- Aggressive driving cuts gas mileage by 15-30% on the highway
3. Consider Transit Passes and EV Savings
Public transit is often cheaper than driving once you factor in gas, parking, maintenance, and depreciation. Many employers offer pre-tax commuter benefits up to $315 per month in 2024 (Section 132(f)), letting you pay for transit passes and vanpooling with pre-tax dollars, saving 20-37% in income and FICA taxes. Monthly transit passes in major cities run $75-$130 versus $200-$500 in monthly driving costs. If you drive a lot, an electric vehicle can save 50-70% versus gas - charging at home off-peak costs the equivalent of $1-$1.50 per gallon. Federal tax credits up to $7,500 (plus state rebates) lower the EV purchase price, and many utilities offer additional $200-$1,500 EV charger rebates.
- Ask HR about pre-tax commuter benefits up to $315 per month
- Compare monthly transit pass cost ($75-$130) vs driving ($200-$500)
- If you drive a lot, compare an EV with home charging vs a gas car
- Apply for the federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500
- Check your utility for EV charger and off-peak charging rebates
- Pre-tax commuter benefits save 20-37% on transit and vanpool costs
- Home EV charging off-peak costs the equivalent of $1-$1.50 per gallon
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