Iran war leading to high gas prices? Try these six ways to cut your fuel costs

High prices for daily essentials are hurting people’s savings. Only 47% of Americans say they have enough cash or access to money to cover a $1,000 emergency, according to a recent survey by Bankrate. That means more than half the country may struggle with a surprise expense. Because of this, people are looking for ways to cut regular costs like gas. Gas is hard to fully avoid, especially if you drive to work or drive for your job.

Experts share six smart ways to save on gas

These tips were shared by Current, a consumer fintech banking platform, according to the report by Newsweek.

1. Shop around for cheaper gas

Being loyal to one gas station brand can actually cost you more money. “Without a doubt, the number one thing that folks can do to have the biggest effect is to shop around,” says Patrick De Haan of GasBuddy. He says people should always check gas prices before filling up. Gas prices can change a lot even within short distances, he explains as citied by Newsweek.


Apps like GasBuddy show price maps before you leave home. Both GasBuddy and AAA offer trip cost calculators. You can also check gas prices on Google Maps and Waze. De Haan advises drivers to not stick to one brand because the cheapest brand changes often. He says once you make price-checking a habit, it takes only about 20 seconds, according to De Haan.

2. Use loyalty programs smartly

Even though shopping around is important, loyalty programs can help if used carefully. Exxon Mobil says its rewards program gives at least 3 cents per gallon in points on gas. It also gives 2 cents per dollar in points on snacks and other items, Exxon Mobil says. Shell advertises up to 10 cents per gallon through its Fuel Rewards program.

Circle K offers 25 cents per gallon on the first five fill-ups and 3 cents per gallon daily after that, according to the company. De Haan warns people not to forget to compare prices even after joining a rewards program. He says some drivers save a few cents but then stop checking other stations and may overpay later, as stated by Newsweek.

3. Watch your speed while driving

The way you drive affects how much gas you use. Many drivers speed up too fast when lights turn green, says De Haan. He explains that fuel use depends a lot on driving habits. Fuel economy is best at about 50 miles per hour for most cars, says Aixa Diaz of AAA. Driving 5 to 10 miles slower on highways can improve fuel economy by up to 14%, Diaz says. She suggests slowing down and avoiding sudden acceleration. De Haan says using cruise control and modern car technology can improve fuel efficiency.

4. Turn off your engine when waiting

Idling wastes gas. A car uses about a quarter to half a gallon of fuel per hour when idling, Diaz says. Restarting a warm engine only uses about 10 seconds worth of fuel. She recommends turning off the engine if you are stopped for more than a minute, where it is safe.

5. Use regular gas if your car allows it

Premium gas is not always better, Diaz says. If your car only requires regular gas, using premium will not improve fuel economy. Choosing premium when not needed only increases your bill, she explains. The report also warns about preauthorization holds when paying by card at gas stations. For example, if you buy $30 of gas, the station may place a $100 temporary hold on your card. The extra hold amount is released later, but it may take a few days depending on your bank.

6. Plan your trip in advance

Planning ahead can stop you from making extra fuel-wasting trips. Mapping your route early helps avoid unnecessary stops, according to Diaz. AAA offers a free travel tool to find gas stations and other stops along your route, as cited by Newsweek. This tool can show hotels, restaurants and attractions on the way.

Diaz suggests carrying water and snacks to avoid spending extra money on fast food during stops. With global tensions like issues involving Iran possibly pushing oil prices higher, drivers may continue to see higher gas prices. Experts say small daily changes can add up to big savings over time. Checking prices, driving smarter, turning off your engine and planning ahead can all help reduce fuel costs, according to the experts quoted in the report by Newsweek.

FAQs

Q1. Why is the Iran war affecting gas prices?

When there is tension linked to Iran, oil supply fears can push global oil prices higher, which can make gas more expensive for drivers.

Q2. What are the easiest ways to save money on gas right now?

You can compare gas prices on apps, drive slower, avoid idling, use regular gas if allowed, and plan trips to reduce fuel use.