10 ways to save money at pumps
There are ways to cut down on your fuel bills amid skyrocketing prices
Drivers across the country are peeved about the rising price of gasoline, and while some might consider buying a smaller car, most drivers depend on their vehicles every day and simply want some simple price relief against the consumer gouging taking place.
Here are 10 quick tips:
1 SHOP AROUND WITH HELP OF AN APP
Gasbuddy.com might be the ultimate online resource to see which station in your neighbourhood has the best deal. The app’s map function lists current prices based on feedback from users, sometimes revealing price variations of 10 cents or more per litre. Other apps by CAA, Waze and Gas Guru offer similar information.
2 COSTCO
Yes, you need to be a member of Costco to enjoy its roughly 10 per cent discount on gasoline, but if you’re saving $8 to $10 per fill up and refuel a couple of times a month at the retail giant, the $60 annual Costco membership is still saving you money. The downside of Costco gasoline, which is the same gas found at other stations, is long lineups. (If shopping at Costco with a friend or partner, drop them at the store entrance first and go get gas before joining them in store.)
3 IF CLOSE, BUY IN THE U.S.
With Canadian gasoline priced at about $5 CDN per U.S. gallon, there’s good savings to be had for anyone who lives near the border and can fill up with cheaper U.S. gasoline — even with today’s exchange rate of about $1.32. With gasoline selling for about U.S.$3 per U.S. gallon in the States, (about $4 CDN per U.S. gallon), you’re saving approximately $25 per 100-litre fill up buying stateside.
4 MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MILEAGE
Highway speeds of 100 km/h may be too low for most modern cars today, but 100 km/h is a good speed for fuel consumption while avoiding the dangers of driving too slow (the sweet spot for fuel consumption is 50 to 80 km/h). Driving 110 km/h uses 10 per cent more fuel than 100 km/h, and 120 km/h about 20 per cent more, according to Natural Resources Canada, which says: “if it takes $10 worth of fuel to drive a certain distance at 100 km/h, it would cost $12 to travel that same distance at 120 km/h. That is like throwing a toonie out the window every 100 km.” Pay attention to your braking and acceleration, too, which can affect consumption. Drive smooth, save money.
5 REWARDS PROGRAMS
Plenty of credit cards offer discounts on gasoline — Home Depot’s Pro Extra card, for example, gives 10 cents off a litre for every litre earned. Litres are earned via purchases at the store, so $1,000 spent at the Depot returns a $10 discount on fuel. Just be sure to read all the fine print and that any card doesn’t come with an annual fee, which could negate the savings. Those who have converted their Air Miles rewards to Cash Miles can use their accumulated Cash Miles against fuel purchases. Many of these cards exist, and although the rewards seem small at first, over time they build up.
6 CASH BACK FUEL CARDS OR LOYALTY PROGRAMS
Some credit cards offer cash back rewards against fuel purchases and many gasoline providers offer their own rewards when buying their fuel or goods in store. Petro Points, Esso Extra, Canadian Tire money at Canadian Tire gas bars, Air Miles at Shell and Irving Canada, Bonus Bucks at Pioneer are just a few examples. Over time, these points accumulate. Use the points to get $25, $50 or $100 gas cards. Or exchange the points for a discount/litre.
7 USE REGULAR, IF YOU CAN
Cars that demand premium, which can cost 20 cents or more per litre depending on the grade, might be able to get by just fine on good ol’ regular. If your owner’s manual says premium fuel ONLY, then don’t go opting for the cheaper fuel because your expensive engine requires the higher octane. But if the manual says premium recommended, your car is unlikely to suffer from using regular for regular commuting. Just don’t expect the same level of performance, or rely on regular for a day of hard driving or towing.
8 FILL UP EARLY, KEEP IT FULL
With the price of gas bouncing around between 10 and 15 cents a litre depending on the day of the week (seemingly always higher on Fridays or the start of a long weekend) take advantage of the dips by always keeping an eye on the price and filling up when you notice it’s lower than normal. Mid-week can be a good time to gas up when gasoline retailers lower the price to pick up business. Buy low, buy often, even if you have three quarters of a tank.
9 TIRE PRESSURES, EXTRA CARGO, PROPER TUNING
Underinflated tires increase fuel consumption, just four PSI low can increases gas consumption by two per cent (as well as increase wear). And it’s a myth that overinflated tires can decrease fuel use — not to mention they heighten the dangers of a blow out and crash. Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure (found on a sticker on the inside frame of the driver’s door.) Remove excess cargo from the trunk, or roof cargo boxes, or anything that acts as dead weight. Ensure your engine is using fresh air filters and is properly tuned.
10 SEND A MESSAGE, CHOOSE ALTERNATIVES
Squeezed by higher fuel costs, your monthly budget will be impacted less by driving less. When and if possible, consider carpooling, cycling, public transit, deciding against that road trip, or walking, all of which will reduce how much money goes to gasoline producers and governments. Not only will you be healthier for it, reduced consumption might even send the message to petroleum producers that Canadians are fed up with paying so much for gas.