Are You Overpaying For Gas?

If you feel like gas is way too expensive, ask yourself these questions to see if you’re overpaying at the pump:

Am I waiting until my gas tank is empty?

It’s not uncommon to run out of gas at least once in your life. But if you find yourself doing it routinely, you’re probably overpaying for fuel. Why? Because when your tank is on E, you don’t have the luxury of shopping around for the best gas prices. Instead, you’ll have to fill up at the nearest station to avoid breaking down.

To pay less for gas, plan ahead. If you know there’s a gas station on your route with cheap gas, fill up first before you pass it and get low on fuel. Not only will this reduce how much you pay at the pump since you’ll get to pick where you refuel, but it could also save your car.

When you regularly run on empty, you can clog your fuel filter. You can also damage your fuel pump, which could result in some hefty repairs.

Am I using apps to find the cheapest gas?

You may not shop around for cheap gas because you think it’s too much work. Download an app like GasBuddy to your smartphone, though, and there’s no work involved.

GasBuddy can help you comparison shop for fuel. It can show you what each station is charging for gas thanks to updates from the app’s users. Even better, you can earn “GasBack,” which is basically free fuel.

You don’t have to use GasBuddy or a similar app every time you need to fill up. Just use it a couple of times, and it should help you figure out which gas stations are the most affordable.

Am I filling up on the weekends?

You may use your car more on the weekends, causing you to fill up on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays. Fill up on Mondays or Tuesdays instead, and you could pay less for fuel, as the weekends are usually costlier.

Am I paying with a card versus cash?

Why would you want to use a credit card when paying for fuel? Because it helps you skip a trip inside the store, which can save you time.

Use cash, though, and you could save significant cents on each gallon, which can lower your overall gas expense each time you fill up.

To see how much you can save by switching your payment method, look at the large signs outside the station. You can also ask the attendant. When you do, ask if they offer cash prices on debit card purchases. Some may say yes.

Am I using the wrong fuel?

Your car may run perfectly on 87 octane fuel, yet you fill up with 93 octane all the time with the hopes of better performance. Unless your car’s manufacturer says so, skip premium, as it’s a lot more expensive and probably isn’t necessary if your manual calls for regular gas.

Am I buying gas from the most convenient locations?

What do the middle of major cities and locations near highway exits have in common? They usually have the most expensive gas due to convenience.

Look for stations that are more out of the way, and you can enjoy cheaper gas. Or you can simply use an app like GasBuddy to do the work for you.