Filling your tank has become more expensive over the past year and gas prices are expected to rise.\u00a0 Right now, the national average price of regular gas is around $3.33 per gallon, which is almost a dollar more than it was a year ago.\u00a0 Experts predict that we may see prices near the $4 mark by spring.\u00a0 Although gas prices are up, there are tricks you can use to avoid overspending.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Many drivers make the mistake of getting gas wherever it\u2019s convenient regardless of the price.\u00a0 An easy way to save money is to shop around.\u00a0 Downloading an app like GasBuddy<\/a> can make comparing gas prices easy.\u00a0 Just tell them your location along with the fuel type you\u2019re looking for and they\u2019ll give you a list of the cheapest nearby stations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Contrary to popular belief, using a higher grade of gas than recommended isn\u2019t going to make your car run any better.\u00a0 Don\u2019t burn higher octane<\/a> gas than your engine needs..\u00a0 See what kind of fuel your owner\u2019s manual recommends and stick to it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The next time you pull up to the pump, pay special attention to the advertised price.\u00a0 Some stations offer discounts to drivers who pay with cash instead of credit.\u00a0 The savings can range anywhere from 10-15 cents per gallon.\u00a0 Although that may not sound like much, it can really add up over time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If your favorite gas company has a rewards program, be sure to sign up.\u00a0 Typically, you\u2019ll earn points when you buy fuel or merchandise which you can later redeem for savings.\u00a0 For instance, when you join the Exxon Mobil Rewards+<\/a> program, you earn 3 points per gallon on fuel and 2 points for every $1 you spend at the convenience store or their car wash.\u00a0 Every 100 points you earn can be redeemed for $1 in savings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Some grocery stores have rewards programs that allow you to redeem your points for fuel at certain gas stations.\u00a0 Shell has teamed up with Fry\u2019s, Kroger, Ralph\u2019s, Stop & Shop and a few other supermarkets to help you save money.\u00a0 Just pick up your groceries and scan your rewards card at checkout.\u00a0 You\u2019ll earn 1 fuel point for every $1 you spend on eligible purchases.\u00a0 When you reach 100 points, you can redeem it to save 10 cents per gallon at Shell<\/a> stations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChoose the right fuel for your car<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Pay with cash<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Join a gas rewards program<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Turn your groceries into savings<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n