10 Tips to Save Money on Gas Purchases

With gas prices continually rising to unprecedented heights, most consumers are doing everything they can to save money at the pump. Here are 10 tips to make sure you are getting the most bang for your buck when it comes to putting gas in your car.

Check your tires. Improperly inflated tires can give you decreased gas mileage in your car. Check your tires frequently and make sure they are inflated to your car's specifications. Tires should be checked about every 6 weeks.

Get your oil changed. Keeping up with the oil changes your car needs is another way to make sure your car is performing at its peak, and thus getting the best gas mileage possible. Newer cars do not need as frequent oil changes as older models.

Take advantage of store specials. Many grocery stores now have gas pumps available and as a result you may be able to take advantage of some special store deals to save on gas. Some stores will give a discount for scanning your frequent shopper card. Others will offer cents off coupons for purchasing particular products. Keep your eyes open for these deals and take advantage of them to save at the pump.

Get a gas card. There are numerous credit cards available that give you a percentage of cash back on your gas purchases. You may be able to save as much as 5% or even more depending on the particular card. Some cards require you to only purchase a particular brand of gas, while others let you buy your gasoline anywhere.

Combine trips. Shorts trips to the bank, post office, grocery, etc are terrible for your overall gas mileage. Combine your trips and keep short jaunts in the car to a bare minimum.

Bring your lunch. Packing your lunch for work, instead of getting in the car to drive to a restaurant, will save you money on gas, and also on your food!

Carpool. If there is anyway to carpool with a coworker, give it a try. You can do every other day, or every other week. Carpooling with just one other person can cut your gas bill almost in half!