Filling up the car is one of those expenses that’s hard to avoid. You can cut back on takeout, skip a few unnecessary purchases, or put off buying new clothes, but if you need your car to get to work, take the kids to school, or run errands, you still need gas.
That frustration sparked a recent discussion among drivers. One driver said they were putting about 400 miles on their car every week between commuting to work and taking their kids to activities, with working from home simply not an option.
Here are 10 ideas drivers are trying to stretch a tank of gas a little further.
Combine errands into one trip
Instead of making several separate trips throughout the week, drivers are grouping errands together and planning a route that gets everything done at once.
Cut out the trips that aren’t really necessary
People are simply staying home more and reconsidering drives that used to happen without much thought. That might mean choosing entertainment closer to home, walking around the neighborhood instead of driving somewhere for recreation, or waiting until several errands need to be done before heading out.
Use another way to get around when you can
Public transportation, walking, biking, and e-bikes aren’t realistic options for everyone, particularly people living in rural areas or places without safe infrastructure. But for those who do have the option, replacing even some car trips can reduce how frequently they need to fill the tank.
Stop speeding
Several drivers said they’ve started paying more attention to their speed rather than automatically cruising well above the speed limit. Slowing down on the highway and avoiding aggressive acceleration can help reduce fuel consumption, with the added benefit of making the drive a little less frantic.
Keep tires properly inflated
Checking tire pressure is a simple task that doesn’t require changing where or how often you drive. Keeping tires at the proper pressure is one of the small things they can do to get better mileage.
Carpool whenever it makes sense
Carpooling isn’t just for commuting to work. Parents suggested taking turns driving kids to practices, games, and other activities so no one family has to make the same trip several times a week.
Compare gas prices before filling up
Gas prices can vary even between stations that aren’t very far apart, making it worth checking before automatically stopping at the closest one.
Take advantage of gas rewards
Gas station loyalty programs, grocery store fuel points, warehouse clubs, and cash-back programs can shave a little off each fill-up. Some drivers are combining grocery rewards with digital coupons and other offers so purchases they’re already making help lower what they pay at the pump.
Have some purchases delivered
Driving across town to pick up a few household essentials may not make much sense if you can have them delivered without an additional charge. Using memberships and free shipping to replace shopping trips, particularly when the store is a significant distance from home.
Accelerate and brake more gradually
Racing toward a red light only to slam on the brakes isn’t doing your gas tank any favors. Drivers are paying more attention to smooth acceleration, coasting when possible, and anticipating stops rather than repeatedly speeding up and braking hard.
