Whether you drive a massive SUV or even a hybrid vehicle, everyone and their brother loves to save money.  Like anything in the world, you’re able get around the retail price and save money.  The same goes with gasoline.  Just because you see the full price per gallon on the sign, this doesn’t mean you have to pay it.

First things are first though.  If you want to save more money per gallon right off the bat regardless of how you drive, then a gas station credit card is meant for you.  If you don’t want to apply for a gas station credit card, we highly suggest you follow these helpful tips to save on gas.

Watch your speed

According the department of energy, every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph, you’re technically paying an extra .15 per gallon.  What does this mean for you?  Every time you’re driving down a rural side street that has a posted speed of 55 or lower, make sure that you don’t drive over the 55 mph posted speed.

If you tend to drive the highway a lot, it’s important that you maintain a proper speed.  Cruise control usually comes in handy while driving.  Studies have shown that if you drive 65 mph instead of 75 mph, this will reduce your fuel costs by 13%.  Driving 55 mph instead of 65/75 mph will save you 25%.

Stop the aggression!

If you tend to break a lot, speed up a lot, or even floor the gas when the light turns green, these are all factors that burn gas even quicker.  It’s important that you drive at a very conservative pace.  This means that you don’t hit the gas pedal to the ground when the light turns green or ride someone’s bumper.  Being conservative will save you gas!

Research before filling up

If you know you’re going to be filling up before you leave the house.  It’s important that you hop online and do some quick research.  A website like gasbuddy.com will tell you exactly where the cheapest gas prices are in your neighborhood.  Even if you’re saving .05 per gallon, this will all add up in the long run.  Obviously this strategy can’t be used all the time but it can be very helpful when you do know when you have to fill up.

Another great trick that involves research is paying attention to the local gas stations.  You will find out that certain areas will always be cheaper than others.  If it’s possible that you can fill up there rather than the more expensive areas, this can save you a fortune.  A trip across town sometimes can save you twenty to thirty cents per gallon.

Keep track of your records

If you tend to drive the same pattern day in and day out, reset your trip odometer every time you fill up.  When you fill up, be sure to note how many gallons you filled up with and divide that by the miles you drove.  This way you get a clear understanding on how many miles per gallons you’re actually getting.  When you see a fluctuation in your mileage, be sure to look back and remember how this effected your mileage change.