Gas and Money-Saving Road Trip Tips
Over the past few years, gas prices have experienced significant fluctuations. After reaching multi-year highs in the first half of 2022, with the national average peaking at about $5 per gallon, prices have shown a general downward trend. Looking ahead, forecasts suggest a continued decline in gas prices. The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts that retail prices for regular-grade gasoline will decrease to an average of about $3.09 per gallon in 2024.
So, is it time for a road trip? Maybe... Gas price trends are influenced by various factors, including global oil production, regional supply and demand, and geopolitical events. It's also noteworthy that prices tend to be higher on the West Coast, particularly in California, due to state taxes and environmental regulations.
Here are 5 apps and websites to help save money on gas on your next road trip:
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Upside: Upside offers up to $0.25 off per gallon on gas in select states and provides cash-back offers on groceries and at restaurants. Users can save by paying with a card and then uploading a receipt to receive cash back via PayPal or check.
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Waze: Known as a navigation app, Waze also helps users find the cheapest gas prices along their route. It includes features for setting preferred gas stations and types, and can direct users to stations offering "Waze-only" deals.
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Gas Guru: This app shows cheap gas prices from the Oil Price Information Service, ensuring up-to-date information. Users can save their favorite locations for easy access to the best prices near them or compare prices close to home, work, or other spots.
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AAA TripTik Travel Planner: This app not only helps you find gas stations with the best prices but also aids in planning road trips with up to 25 stops. Even non-members can use the trip planning and gas-finding features.
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GasBuddy: In addition to helping you find the cheapest gas prices near you, GasBuddy has a handy trip cost calculator. And, if you use their prepaid card, you can save up to $0.25 per gallon.
Each of these apps offer a range of features for finding the best gas prices, earning cash back, and planning fuel-efficient routes. By leveraging these tools, you can make more informed decisions and potentially save a significant amount of money on fuel expenses.
Also, consider these tips and strategies to save money on gas during road trips:
- Proper Tire Inflation: Keeping tires properly inflated can enhance fuel efficiency. A single tire under inflated by 2 PSI, can increase fuel consumption.
- Membership Clubs: Joining warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club or Costco can offer access to lower gas prices.
- Reduce Car Load: Lightening your vehicle by removing unnecessary items, especially heavy ones, can improve gas mileage.
- Fuel Efficiency Habits: Avoid aggressive driving (high speeds, accelerating and braking hard), excessive idling, and maintain steady speeds. For example, if you anticipate being stopped for several minutes, shut off the car. Restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle for this time.
- Keep Windows Closed & Use AC Sparingly: Windows open, especially at highway speeds, increase drag and result in decreased fuel economy. Similarly, when the air conditioner is on it puts extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used.
- Plan Your Route: Use trip planning tools to find the most fuel-efficient routes and to locate gas stations with the best prices along the way
January 6, 2024. Photo by Sergey Tarasov (Unsplash).
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