Gas prices in Canada are at record highs. Filling up your gas tank has now become a miserable experience as nearly 7 in 10 drivers worry they can’t afford gas as prices soar.
Even so, there are ways that you can spend less on fuel, whether they mean making big or small changes. Read on to find out tips on how to save on gas amid the soaring prices.
Fill up your Tank at a Wise Time
Gas prices usually increase before the weekend, so it’s a good idea to fill up at the beginning of the week.
In addition, filling up your tank when it’s near empty might lead you to drive to whatever gas station is closest, paying whatever the price is because you have no other choice. Instead, aim to fill your tank once it’s a quarter full. This gives yourself time to start looking for a gas station with a lower price.
Make Sure your Car is Light
The more weight in your car, the harder your car has to work to drive, leading to more gas being burned. Take out any extra items you might have in your backseat or trunk that are taking up space. You’ll have a cleaner car and pay a little less gas.
Consider a Hybrid or Electric Car
Hybrid cars use a mix of gas and electric. They combine at least one electric motor with a gasoline engine to move the car. The result is less gas burned and less gas payed.
Electric cars use zero gas, meaning no more trips to the gas station or ever having to pay for gas again. They function by plugging into a charge point and taking electricity from the grid. Hybrid and electric cars often have incentives like rebates, where the government will pay you a lump sum to encourage you to go electric.
Consider Taking Public Transportation
Cars are great for getting to exactly where you want to go. You need to get somewhere, easy. Just jump in your car and go wherever you want. They’re super convenient.
Evidently, using your car everytime you go somewhere uses gas – and a lot of it if you’re constantly on the go. If there’s accessible transit near you, consider using this once in a while. Especially for longer trips like to the city where driving gets pretty hectic anyways. You’ll pay a bus or train fee, but it will be way less expensive than what you would have spent on gas.
Walk or Bike
If you live fairly near the stores you want to go to or the friends you want to visit, consider walking or cycling to them. Not only will this save you money, but it is a great form of exercise.
Most cities have bike rentals where you can pay to rent a bike depending on how long you use it. It’s a great alternative to driving if you’re looking to save money and still get around fast.
Use Gas-Finding Apps
Gas prices can vary depending on location. Gas-finding apps will find you the best deals on gas in real time. There are many out there, but GasBuddy is the most popular.
GasBuddy tracks over 150,000 locations in both the US and Canada. It’s a free app that uses your location to find gas prices near you. You’ll never have to pay for full-price gas again as you’ll know what the cheapest gas price is and where the best stations are.