How to Save Money on Gasoline

As gas and oil prices continue to fluctuate you need to be able to save what you can. There are a few tips you can use to save money at the pump. I used to work for an truck stop as a bookkeeper back in the 1990's. I can also tell you there are some illegal tricks that retailers can use to make more money at the pump. With most states waste and measures people understaffed a lot of retailers do not get caught. There are a few ways to tell whether they have been inspected recently. Use these tips to save money buying gasoline.

Gas rebate cards

If you usually purchase gas from one oil company than consider getting a gas rebate card from the. These cards you normally save between 3-5% on each purchase. You need to find out if they have a level cap on purchases. Also, pay off your gas cards on time cause these cards tend to have higher interest rates which can eat the money you just saved. If you purchase from several different retailers than get a credit card that can offer you cash back on your purchases. You may have to shop around to get the best deal. The money you save will show up normally in your next billing cycle.

The time to purchase gas

The best time to purchase gas would be in the mornings before the price goes up. Retailers will change their prices in the afternoon after they get the current oil prices for that day. You can also buy gas anytime on the weekends cause the price normally will not change on the weekend. If the price is high you may want to wait till Monday afternoon. However, keep in mind the price can go up further. The best time to buy gas is in the morning before the price changes are rolled out for that day.

Forget about buying higher octanes

Most cars will run on 87 octane just fine even the ones that recommend the higher octanes. Your just wasting money buying the higher octane when you don't need it. Its best to keep in mind that some unscrupulous retailers will put the same octane (87) in all three pumps. There should be tag on the pumps showing when the pumps were last inspected by the state. Most retailers will obey the law but some will not think twice about taking advantage of you. If you buy 87 octane you don't have to worry about being ripped off. Why pay more for higher octane when you don't need it?

No state tag do not pump

The state tags are to remain on the pumps if you don't see an inspection sticker or tag move on to another retailer. Do not buy from any station who do not have any inspection sticker or tag. The pumps could be off or the wrong gas in the pumps. I have heard horror stories of watered down gas or kerosene mixed in the gas.

Check the Internet

There are a couple of places you can check gas prices in your area. You can go to gasbuddy.com or gaspricewatch.com and get the gas prices for the local stations in your area. Just don't drive 20 miles to save a penny its not cost efficient. This will give you a good idea of what station gas prices are like before you head out for the day.