All the Ways to Save on Gas This Memorial Day Weekend

If you’re one of the 39 million or so Americans who are planning to travel somewhere for Memorial Day weekend, I’m sure you already know it’s going to cost you money. The average nationwide price per gallon of gasoline is $4.60 per gallon, and in some states it is about $6 per gallon.

While your early summer vacation will be expensive, there are a few ways to keep costs down that don’t involve buying an electric car or cycling long distances. Here are some tips to help cut gas costs while on the road:

• Track the cheapest gas in your area : prices fluctuate from gas station to gas station. So track the cheapest gas prices with an app like Gasbuddy , or just type “gas station” into Google Maps to see local prices. “Club” stores like Costco or Sam’s Club often have the lowest gas prices, though whether that’s enough to offset the annual membership fee depends on how often you shop at those places.
• Tune Your Vehicle : Your vehicle gradually becomes less efficient the more you use it, so it may be worth taking your vehicle to a mechanic to adjust tire pressure, wheel alignment, trip computer, and other changes to maximize fuel efficiency .
• Paying in cash: It’s a headache, but paying cash at a gas station can save you 5 to 10 cents per gallon, and sometimes more: Some gas stations charge a dollar more per gallon to card users.
• Sign up for a loyalty program: Major gas station chains offer customer loyalty programs that give you discounts and/or free money to spend at local stores. Subscribe to one. Here is a more detailed description of the loyalty programs of major gas station chains .
• Off-peak driving: Not only is it more pleasant to avoid traffic, it’s also more economical. Here’s the best time to travel this holiday weekend .
• Be a more efficient driver: Efficient driving can save you an amazing amount of gas and therefore money. According to the US Department of Energy, reducing speed by 5–10 mph can improve fuel economy by 7–14%; this saves $0.64 per gallon.
• Make your car more aerodynamic: Make your car more fuel efficient, keep your windows closed, don’t use a roof rack, and pack as lightly as possible.
• Cancel your trip: Going nowhere is the new destination somewhere , and “gasoline prices are too high” is a great excuse not to go to your son-in-law’s home in Dubuque.

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