12 easy ways to save money on gas in 2025

Gas prices can be pretty unpredictable. In 2025, fuel prices have been like a rollercoaster due to supply chain hiccups, global demand, and current world events. Add shifting tariffs to the mix, and finding ways to make every gallon (and dollar!) go even further just makes sense. The good news is that small changes in driving habits, car maintenance, and other simple habits can significantly reduce your gas expenses. Here are 12 easy ways you can save money on gas this year. 

1. Use apps to find the cheapest gas

Gas prices can vary significantly between gas stations, even when they’re only a few blocks apart. The solution? Use fuel-saving apps like GasBuddy, Waze, and Fuelzee to help you locate the cheapest gas prices in your area​.

2. Join gas rewards programs

Many gas stations offer loyalty programs that can save you money on every gallon of gas purchased. And, some grocery store rewards programs also offer fuel discounts so it’s worth checking rewards perks before you fill up your tank.

3. Use a gas rewards credit card

Some credit cards offer cash back or rewards on gas purchases. If you fill up your tank regularly, using a cash back or rewards credit card can help you save even more, as long as you pay off the balance each month to avoid interest charges​.

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4. Pay with cash

Many gas stations offer a lower price for cash payments because it saves them credit card processing fees​ — paying with cash may save you up to 5 to 10 cents per gallon.

5. Drive smarter, not harder

How you drive can make a huge difference in how far a full tank takes you. Try making these easy tweaks part of your driving habits:

• Plan your route. Combining errands into a single trip and using eco-friendly routing on navigation apps can minimize drive time and save fuel.

• Reduce idle time. Avoid leaving your car idling for extended periods; it burns fuel without getting you anywhere​​.

• Accelerate and decelerate smoothly. Accelerating slowly and allowing your car to coast to a stop whenever possible can save gas​​.

• Use cruise control. On flat terrains, using cruise control can help maintain a steady speed and improve fuel efficiency​.

6. Carpool or ride-share

If possible, split the cost of gas by carpooling with coworkers, friends, or family. You can also coordinate rides for your kids’ activities with other parents to significantly reduce your weekly fuel consumption​​.

7. Keep your tires properly inflated

Low tire pressure reduces gas efficiency, which can make your car work harder. Keeping tires inflated to the manufacturer's recommended level can improve gas mileage​ by up to 3%.

8. Get regular vehicle maintenance

A well-maintained car runs more efficiently. Here are a couple ways to make sure your car is performing at its best:

• Replace spark plugs and air filters. If you have an older car, worn spark plugs or dirty air filters can significantly decrease your car’s gas mileage​. Most modern cars are much better at balancing the air-to-fuel flow. But dirty air filters can weigh down your acceleration efficiency.

• Use the correct oil grade. Opting for the manufacturer-recommended oil grade during changes can slightly improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Using the wrong oil can even decrease your fuel efficiency.

9. Lighten your load

The heavier your car, the more gas it burns. Remove unnecessary items from your trunk or backseat to improve gas mileage. 

10. Limit your use of air conditioning

You can save fuel when you use A/C less often. At higher speeds, though, using A/C is better than opening windows due to aerodynamic drag​. So be strategic with your use of A/C!

11. Park in the shade

Reducing heat may help with fuel evaporation and reduce the need to cool down the car using the air conditioner​. So park in the shade and you won’t need to crank the A/C when you start driving.

12. Consider a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV)

While federal EV tax incentives are changing under the current administration, some state tax credits may remain. Plus, hybrid and EVs reduce gas dependency, which can help with long-term savings.

For a comprehensive understanding of how these and other strategies can help you save money on gas, it's beneficial to refer to resources like FuelEconomy.gov. This government website offers a wide range of tips and tools to help you achieve the best fuel economy possible for your vehicle​. 

FAQs about how to save money on gas

Q: What wastes the most gas in cars?

Driving aggressively, like speeding, hitting the gas too hard, or braking suddenly, burns through gas faster. It can cut your gas mileage by about 15% to 30% on highways and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic, making every trip more expensive.

Q: Is it better to fill up the gas tank all at once or little by little?

A: It's more efficient and cost-effective to fill up your gas tank all at once rather than filling it up in small increments. Fewer trips to the station means less gas. But it also means fewer fees that can rack up when you pump. 

Q: Does driving slower really save gas?

A: Yes, driving at a consistently slower speed can improve your fuel efficiency. Every 5 mph over 50 mph that you drive decreases gas mileage. This means that driving at 55 mph instead of 65 mph can save you money on gas.

Q: Will premium gasoline make my car more fuel-efficient?

A: Unless your car specifically requires premium gasoline, using it will not improve your fuel efficiency. Stick to the recommended grade of gas for your vehicle.

Q: How can I find the cheapest gas prices in my area?

A: You can use fuel-saving apps like GasBuddy, Waze, and Fuelzee to locate the cheapest gas prices. Additionally, many gas stations offer loyalty programs or rewards credit cards that can also help you save money on gas. 

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.

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