The following gas pump habits may seem harmless, but they’re likely costing you money every time you fill up.
While topping off your tank when fueling up might not seem like a big deal, it’s among the most common mistakes people make at the gas pump.
According to GasBuddy, over-fueling can damage your engine and reduce performance. Additionally, most gas station pumps have vapor recovery systems, which absorb any excess gas that is released once the car is filled in order to protect the car and environment.
Gas prices change depending on the day of the week. The beginning of the week typically has cheaper gas prices compared to the weekend. Therefore, if you’re starting to get low on gas, don’t wait until Friday or Saturday to fuel back up.
While it may be more convenient to go to the gas station nearest your house, that doesn’t mean you’re getting the best deal. There are a wide range of gas price apps and websites to help you locate the cheapest gas in your area.
Major gas chains like Exxon Mobil, Shell, Circle K, and others offer fuel reward programs that can save you money when you fuel up. If you regularly get your gas at the same station, this might be a good option for you to consider.
Never wait until your gas light comes on to refuel your car. Driving near empty leaves you at risk of being stranded. And running out of gas can damage your vehicle’s fuel pump over time.
Premium gasoline can cost 30 percent or more than regular gasoline. According to the Federal Trade Commission, that extra cost is often without any added benefit. Drivers wasted more than $2 billion on premium gasoline in 2015, according to AAA.
Inflating tires at a gas station usually costs money, but it’s still advisable to check your tires when fueling up and adding air if needed. Driving with under-inflated tires will greatly depreciate your gas milage.
Many credit cards permit you to choose perks that work best for you, like cash back incentives at gas stations and grocery stores. Check what yours offer.
