While we all want to save money on gas, we also need to get places. There are a number of ways to get the most for your gas money that can fit seamlessly into your daily driving habits — as well as a few things you may be doing in the name of saving money that don’t actually work.
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Check out these four driving hacks that can actually help you save money on gas — and four that won’t.
Works: Downloading a Gas Price Tracking App
Your phone is probably in your hand at this very moment, and luckily, you can use it to check gas prices around your area. Apps like GasBuddy and Gas Guru show you a map of gas stations with the price per gallon. If you don’t want another app, you can also look up prices on GasBuddy’s website, so you know exactly where to go to get the most for your money.
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Doesn’t Work: Driving Around To Find the Best Price
Unless you’re passing a bunch of gas stations on your way to work and can keep an eye on prices, it doesn’t pay to spend time (and gas) driving around to find the best price.
Works: Sharing a Ride With a Buddy
Driving fewer cars to and from activities cuts down on per-person fuel consumption. If you’re a regular carpooler, you can even ask your riders to chip in for gas to save some money.
Doesn’t Work: Driving Out of Your Way To Carpool
If you’re driving to the other side of town and then doubling back in the name of carpooling, you’re probably not saving much.
Works: Driving More Efficiently
Accelerating slowly, sticking to the speed limit and coasting to a stop rather than slamming on your breaks will make your vehicle more fuel efficient.
Doesn’t Work: Putting the Pedal to the Metal
You may think that driving faster will get you where you need to go faster, and save you money on gas. However, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s FuelEconomy.gov website, aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by 15% to 30% on the highway, and between 10% and 40% when you’re stopping and starting through town.
Works: Proper Vehicle Maintenance
Keeping your tires pumped up, getting new tires when necessary and sticking to an oil change schedule can keep your vehicle running as efficiently as possible, ultimately saving money on gas.
Doesn’t Work: Skipping Maintenance To Save Money
You may think that skipping an oil change or holding off on new tires is saving you money, but it can actually be a recipe for disaster that will cost you more in the long run.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 8 Gas-Saving Tips: 4 That Actually Work — and 4 You Should Avoid
