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AAA reports that motorists spent an average of 17 cents per mile in August due to gas prices shooting up like fireworks and then slowing down — just to repeat the same pattern again. This is 7 cents more than what it will cost to drive a mile in 2021, and $2,336 per year in fuel costs.

It is now a common assumption that higher fuel prices will be paid at the pump. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (USEIA), drivers paid on average $3.81 per gallon for October. This is 52 cents less than in the same month 2021.

There are many ways to reduce the financial burden of car ownership. There are a few ways to reduce gas costs, both while driving and through regular maintenance. This will allow you to get the most mileage from your car.

How to save money on gas.

Savings at the pump

Although gas prices can’t be controlled, you can influence how much fuel you pay. These are some tips to save money at the pump.

Regular unleaded regular gasoline is sufficient for most vehicles. Premium gas may be recommended for turbochargers and other engine types, but most drivers don’t have to pay more for it. To find out what your manufacturer recommends for your vehicle, consult your owner’s guide. Regular gas will be cheaper than premium gas, unless it specifies otherwise.

Save money at the pump with your smartphone Gas price apps show you the lowest gas prices for your area. Many apps are free and allow you to search by your exact location, a city or zip code, and other criteria such as type of fuel or payment method. Comparing local prices can help you save a little money each month.

There are many of these programs, but it can be difficult to find the savings. Let’s take a look at some of the key factors that you should consider when selecting the right card to save money on gas.

• Annual fee: Credit cards that have an annual fee can quickly wipe out any initial savings. It might be worthwhile if there are other savings opportunities.

• Gas savings: Reward caps: Some gas savings can be capped per quarter or per annum. Find out how much you spend and then determine if it falls within the rewards limit.

• Redemption value: Rewards points can often be exchanged for cash or miles. You should know the value of each reward point. Some are worth a penny while others are worth a lot more.

• Gas station or pump: There are some cards that offer gas rewards for purchases made at filling stations, while others state that they only reward gas purchases made at pumps.

• Membership requirements Do you have to pay a steep membership fee?

Pay off all credit cards. This will eliminate any gas price savings.

You may also be able to get cash discounts by using a debit card instead of a creditcard at some stations. You should make sure that you get the discount if you choose to use a debit card. Not all stations allow it.

You should also note that debit card transactions can be less secure than credit card transactions when it comes to consumer protections. A card skimmer may try to trick you at the pump.

Make sure you screw the gas cap correctly to get the best gas mileage. It should click when you turn it. A gas cap that isn’t properly sealed could allow for 30 gallons per year of gasoline to evaporate due to a weak seal. This could also cause a dashboard check-engine light to go on. Modern cars are equipped with a capless fuel-filling system. However, a defective seal on the spring-loaded flap may leak gasoline fumes and trigger a warning light.

Savings while driving

The way you drive can have a huge impact on how much mileage you get. These are some ways you can drive that will make your wallet happy.

Higher speeds can cause your car to lose fuel efficiency. You can save money by not driving at high speeds. It can also help you get more fuel economy. Do you tend to be the one with the lead foot? To maintain your speed, you can use cruise control.

If you are not driving in traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start the car again. The amount of gas that you use when your engine is idling will depend on the make and model of your vehicle, but some cars can burn as much as half an liter per hour. If you need your engine to idle for longer than 10 seconds, turn it off. Some cars are more efficient than others.

A roof rack with a carrier will give you more room for long trips but it will also increase your gas mileage. Consumer Reports’ 2020 study found that a roof rack combined with a carrier reduced a sedan’s fuel consumption by 19%, and an SUV by 13%. To save gas, you can skip the carrier and roof rack if you can reach your destination without them.

Savings with maintenance

With a keen eye and a regular maintenance program, you can save gas. These are some ways to maintain your vehicle’s performance while achieving good gas mileage.

Underinflated tires are not only dangerous, but can also cause a drop in fuel economy. You lose 0.2% of your gas mileage for every 1 pound that your tire is deflated. To get the best gas mileage, make sure your tires are properly inflated.

It will reduce friction and improve your gas mileage by changing your engine oil as soon as it is recommended. Good news: Regular oil changes will save you money and help your car last a long time.

Modern cars can track your fuel efficiency, which is something you should be paying attention to. A drop in mileage per gallon or gradual decline in fuel efficiency over time can indicate a problem or need to maintain your vehicle. You don’t have to assume your car can’t maintain a high mileage per gallon just because it has some years.