Here’s how to be more fuel-efficient and save money on gas as California prices rise

Burning gas is inevitable, but the speed at which you burn it can be decreased. There are also several cashback programs and other resources that can help you save on gas in the long run as California prices skyrocket.

NerdWallet suggests buying a more fuel efficient car or driving less to save money. And California has incentive programs for drivers looking to switch to electric vehicles.

That’s not an option for everyone. If you need to be on the road with the car you already have, here are test-proven tips from Consumer Reports to be more fuel efficient:

STAY AT HALF A TANK

Deputy Content Editor for cars at Consumer Reports, Jeff Bartlett, wrote in a 2021 report that you should keep your gas tank at least halfway full at all times to give yourself more flexibility when and where you fill up.

DON’T SPEED

He also suggested following the speed limit. Research shows a reduction in speed improved fuel economy. Another way to look at it: Speeding up from 55 to 75 mph is like “moving from a compact car to a large SUV,” according to Consumer Reports.

DRIVE EVENLY

Avoid hard acceleration and braking and once up to your desired speed, maintain it, the report said.

REMOVE ROOF RACKS

Remove roof racks when they’re not being used because more than 50% of engine power is used battling aerodynamic drag. You also lose gas when driving with an empty roof rack.

SKIP THE PREMIUM GAS

Save money and skip premium gas unless it’s required for your vehicle.

CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE

Tires with low pressure can not only affect tires’ longevity, but it also wastes gas.

For more tips on how to be more fuel efficient, visit Consumer Reports’ gas saving page.

Cashback programs

Whether you earn 25 cents or 5 cents per gallon, that’s a deal. Here are several gas rewards programs offering cashback on gas purchases:

• Receipt Hog
• GetUpside
• Checkout 51: Cash Back Savings
• Fuel Network Rewards
• Fuel Rewards Program
• SmartPay Rewards
• Exxon Mobil Rewards
• BPme: BP & Amoco Gas Rewards
• Sunoco

Other resources:

Stay up-to-date with your area gas prices by checking AAA or using The Bee’s interactive map.

GasBuddy can also help you find the cheapest gas near you.

This story was originally published March 9, 2022 at 11:32 AM with the headline "Here’s how to be more fuel-efficient and save money on gas as California prices rise."