How to save more money on gas

PITTSBURGH — As gas prices continue to soar, we went to the experts for advice on out-of-the-box ways to save on fuel.

Simple changes in your driving habits can keep more gallons in your tank and more money in your wallet.

The established pattern of Sunday being the cheapest day for gas and Thursday the most expensive is no longer the case due to continued price increases. Patrick DeHaan, a GasBuddy analyst, advises drivers to prioritize early fill-ups.

“Sooner is probably going to continue to be better advice than filling up later,” DeHaan said.

Modify Driving Habits

One key strategy for consumers is to modify their driving habits. DeHaan emphasized that even slight changes can yield substantial savings.

“Just driving a little slower can dramatically increase your fuel efficiency, which is essentially the same thing as getting maybe two gallons of free gas out of a fillup,” DeHaan said.

For example, driving 65 mph instead of 75 mph can increase fuel efficiency by 10% to 20%.

Gas-Saving Tips

Other gas-saving tips include turning off air conditioning in bumper-to-bumper traffic, emptying unnecessary items from the car trunk and regularly checking tire pressure. These small adjustments can collectively contribute to better fuel economy, according to Susan Koeppen, a Channel 11 News reporter.

Gas taxes play a significant role in the price consumers pay at the pump. Pennsylvania has one of the highest gas taxes in the nation, at approximately 58 cents per gallon.

“Taxes are the biggest part of what you pay at the pump,” DeHaan said.

Cross State Borders

For some drivers, crossing state borders to fill up can lead to considerable savings.

DeHaan noted that “if you are not filling up on the right side of the border, you could be spending 5 or 10% more on gasoline than you have to.”

For instance, on a recent Tuesday, prices along the Interstate 80 corridor in Pennsylvania were around $4.83, while across the border in Ohio, they were as low as $4.34. Similarly, drivers heading south from Washington, Pa., where gas was as high as $4.94, could find prices at $4.49 in Morgantown, W.Virginia, representing a saving of 45 cents per gallon.

Use Apps to Find Better Deals

Consumers can also leverage technology and promotions to find better deals. The GasBuddy app provides personalized prices, with some users reportedly saving 20 to 25 cents a gallon.

“Gas Buddy, through its app, offers personalized prices that some of our users can get 20 to 25 cents a gallon off,” DeHaan said.

Users can earn points by taking pictures of their gas receipts or by making purchases at participating restaurants like North Shore Tavern and Prantl’s Bakery, which can then be redeemed for gas savings.

Additional offers are available through various platforms. Amazon Prime members can receive 20 cents off a gallon on Fridays at select gas stations. The seven-Eleven app also features discounts, such as 25 cents off a gallon and allows users to price lock their fuel, ensuring a consistent rate even if market prices fluctuate.

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