June 7, 2026 07:00
For those preparing for summer road trips, rising fuel prices mean a bigger hit to the household budget.
The good news is that saving on fuel doesn’t just depend on finding the cheapest pump. The biggest savings usually come from everyday habits that add up over time. The following tips, if followed over the long term, can bring significant savings that you can use for other important needs.
Regular vehicle maintenance is essential
A car that is in good condition consumes fuel more efficiently, and provides the owner with an additional sense of security. Service the vehicle regularly, change the oil at recommended intervals and follow the instructions in the manufacturer’s manual. Make it a habit or do it with a friend to keep yourself accountable. The most important thing is not to put it off.
Before traveling, check the tire pressure. According to the US Department of Energy, properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by up to 3%. If you don’t know how to do it or don’t want to do it yourself, a local vulcanizer will often do it for you without a problem if they aren’t too busy.
Plan your route in advance and leave on time
Navigation systems are extremely useful, but they do not always show the shortest or best route, nor are they completely reliable.
Although it sounds old-fashioned, consider using a classic paper map along with electronic navigation, as well as planning your trip in advance. If you are traveling with children who are old enough, it can also be a good opportunity for them to learn about geography.
Leave early
Try to leave on time or even a little earlier than you planned. If you encounter a traffic jam or other delay, driving will be less stressful, and you won’t need to accelerate to make up for lost time.
Drive more slowly and use cruise control
Cars are powerful and attractive, so it’s easy to succumb to the temptation to drive 110 or 130 kilometers per hour on the highway, just like other road users.
However, if you get into the habit of driving more moderately, preferably using cruise control at lower speeds, the fuel savings can be significant. This is one of the most effective ways to reduce consumption. You just need to ignore the feeling that you might not be able to keep up with the pace of other drivers because of your slower driving.
Avoid questionable additives
Unless your car’s engine requires higher octane fuel or is specifically stated in the manufacturer’s manual, standard gasoline is sufficient.
Also, avoid products that promise lower fuel consumption by adding various additives to the tank. It has been repeatedly proven that such products generally have no effect on driving economy. Some may even increase spending.
Pay with cash at pumps that charge extra for cards
Although today it is much easier to use credit and debit cards, some gas stations charge an additional fee for this method of payment.
By withdrawing a certain amount of cash in advance dedicated exclusively to fuel, you can avoid these extra costs and keep more money for yourself.
Consider renting a car if yours is a heavy spender
Some vehicles simply have high consumption regardless of driving style or regular maintenance.
If your car uses a lot of fuel, renting a more fuel-efficient vehicle for a longer trip may be more cost-effective. In addition to less consumption, you will also reduce wear and tear on your car.
It is worth checking the offers of car rental agencies and developing a good relationship with local renters. You may be able to negotiate a more favorable price and travel in a newer car whose maintenance is not your concern.
Use a locking tank cap
Fuel theft still exists. Thieves sometimes visit hotel and shopping mall parking lots to siphon fuel from vehicles, especially those with license plates from other countries or regions.
A simple way of protection is to install a tank cap that can be locked.
Apps that can help you save
Apps like GasBuddy, AAA, Google Maps, and Waze can help find cheaper gas stations near or along your planned route.
It is important, however, not to chase the minimum discount. It doesn’t make much sense to drive an extra 15 or 20 kilometers to save just a few cents per litre.
Research in advance, especially before entering areas where fuel prices are traditionally higher, such as tourist spots or remote regions. Even on flights between different countries or cities, prices can vary significantly.
Loyalty programs can also bring savings, but only if they fit into your usual habits. Large gas station chains, supermarkets, wholesale clubs and certain credit cards offer discounts per liter of fuel.
The problem arises when people spend more money on other products just to get a discount on fuel. The real benefit is when you use a card or loyalty program that you would use anyway, and get an additional discount without changing your habits.
When is the best time to refuel?
Unlike electric vehicles, where the price of filling may depend on the time of day, with gasoline or diesel cars, the savings generally do not depend on the hour in which you refuel.
Much more important factors are the location of the gas station, competition among sellers and good road planning. Fueling up in the morning may be more pleasant due to less crowds and cooler temperatures, but price-tracking apps and careful route planning generally yield significantly greater savings.
Josh Max, Forbes contributor
How To Save Money On Gas During Your Summer Road Trips
