Smart Ways to Save on Gas and Find Cheap Fuel

Whether you’re a gig driver or simply use your car to commute to work, every cent saved at the pump matters. Let’s explore some practical strategies on how to save on gas and find the best deals. 

Tips on how to save on fuel

To help you get the most out of every litre, consider these top tips to boost your car’s fuel efficiency.

Declutter your trunk

The heavier your car, the more energy it requires to move, which forces your engine to burn more fuel. To avoid this extra strain on your car, regularly clean out the trunk and remove any unnecessary items. 

Clearing out excess weight, whether sports equipment, tools, or other gear you don’t need for your daily commute, can improve the car’s gas mileage. 

Remove roof racks or bike racks

Make sure to take off the roof racks or bike racks when they’re not needed. Even when empty, these racks create an aerodynamic drag, which means your car has to work harder to maintain speed, especially if you’re moving fast. By removing them, you reduce the drag and help your vehicle use less fuel.

Avoid traffic and congested roads

When your car is idling or crawling in stop-and-go traffic, it burns fuel without getting you very far. To save on gas, plan your trips to avoid peak traffic times and roads known for construction or frequent accidents. 

You can use traffic apps to get real-time updates on congestion, road closures, and accidents. These apps can also suggest alternative routes that help you reach your destination more efficiently.

Track your fuel consumption

Pay attention to how often you need to fill up the gas tank and how many kilometres you get per litre.

If you notice you’re using more gas than usual, it might indicate that your car needs maintenance, such as an oil change or tire check. Alternatively, it could indicate that your driving habits—like speeding or heavy braking—are using more fuel than necessary.

Carpool with friends, colleagues, or neighbours

By sharing rides with people going in the same direction, you can split fuel costs among the group, making it a cost-effective choice. Carpooling also reduces wear and tear on your vehicle, extending its lifespan and lowering maintenance costs. It also lets you access the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes so you can bypass heavy traffic and reach your destination faster. 

Plan your route to run multiple errands

Rather than making multiple separate trips for different errands, try to combine them into a single outing. This approach helps you save both time and fuel. To make your trips even more efficient, use mapping tools that highlight the most direct and least congested routes.

Keep your tires properly inflated

Proper tire inflation saves on fuel and extends the life of your tires. While underinflated tires increase fuel consumption, overinflated tires cause uneven wear. To strike the right balance, check your tire pressure regularly — at least once a month or before long trips. You can find the recommended pressure in your car’s manual or on the sticker inside the driver’s door.

Get regular car maintenance

Routine maintenance, such as engine tune-ups and oil changes, improves your car’s overall performance and fuel efficiency. Skipping these simple tasks can lead to issues like dirty filters or low fluid levels. These issues increase your costs at the pump and lead to more expensive repairs down the road.

Improve your driving habits

If you’re wondering how to get better gas mileage, focus on your driving habits. Here are a few tips: 

Accelerate gently: Sudden acceleration burns more fuel. Gradually increasing your speed allows your engine to work more efficiently.
Maintain a steady speed: Try to keep a consistent speed, ideally within the most fuel-efficient range of 50-80 km per hour, per Natural Resources Canada.
Coast to decelerate: Instead of braking sharply, let your car coast to slow down whenever possible. 

Limit the use of air conditioning

Using your car’s air conditioning puts an extra load on your engine, increasing fuel consumption. When driving at lower speeds, consider rolling down the windows for natural ventilation. If you need to use the AC, try to use it sparingly and avoid setting it to the coldest setting, which requires higher energy.

Avoid idling

Whether you’re waiting to pick up your friend or are stuck in traffic, leaving your engine running can quickly add up to a lot of wasted fuel. In Canada, it’s common for drivers to idle their cars in winter to keep warm, but this practice burns through fuel unnecessarily. If you expect to stop for more than a minute, it’s best to turn off your engine.

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Tips on how to find and buy cheap gas

Now that we know how to save on gas, let’s discuss the top strategies to find cheap fuel.

Use a credit card with cashback or gas discounts

Certain credit cards offer cashback on gas purchases that you can redeem for future purchases. For example, if your card offers 2% cashback on gas and you spend $200 a month on fuel, that’s $48 a year back in your pocket. 

You can also get gas credit cards that offer discounts at specific gas stations or on every litre you buy. For instance, you might receive 5 cents off per litre when you use the card at a partnered station. 

Join membership programs

Joining a gas station’s loyalty rewards program allows you to earn points or rewards every time you fill up. Over time, you can redeem these points for gas discounts or other rewards, such as free car washes or snacks.

Even if the discounts seem small, they can make a significant difference over time, especially if you consistently refuel at the same station.

Choose a fuel-efficient car

Driving fuel-efficient cars helps you get more kilometres per litre, so you’ll spend less on gas for the same amount of driving. Smaller cars, in particular, use less fuel because they’re lighter and require less energy to move.

Other fuel-efficient options include:

• Hybrid vehicles that use gas and electricity, help you save on fuel costs by reducing the amount of gas you need.
• Electric vehicles (EVs) that run entirely on electricity, eliminate the need for gas altogether. 

For additional savings, you should charge your hybrid or electric vehicles during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper.

Use an app to find cheaper gas prices

There are many fuel price apps available ​​on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store that provide real-time gas prices at nearby stations. These apps help you quickly compare and choose the most affordable option. 

Some apps also allow you to filter results by amenities like car washes or convenience stores so you can make the most of your stop.

Find the best time to fill gas

Gas prices tend to fluctuate throughout the week. Generally, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to fill your tank because gas prices are usually lower. On the other hand, avoid filling up on Mondays and Fridays, as prices often spike at the start and end of the work week. 

Don’t wait until your tank is empty

When you’re running low on fuel, you might feel pressured to stop at the nearest gas station, even if it’s more expensive. It leaves you with fewer options, forcing you to pay higher prices to avoid running out of gas.

Refuelling when your tank is still about a quarter full gives you more time to find cheap gas prices. 

Skip premium gas

Many people believe that premium gas is better for their vehicle. But in most cases, it doesn’t provide any added benefits over regular gas. Unless your car specifically requires premium gas, there’s usually no need to spend the extra bucks on it. Stick to the type of fuel recommended in your car’s manual — usually gas with an 87-octane level.

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