Gas myth or money saver: Debunking common savings suggestions with an analyst
Haley Swaino
Haley Swaino, weekend morning anchor and reporter at KMIZ, is finding ways to help you cut back on monthly bills and giving other money-saving suggestions. This time, she looks at ways to save on gas.
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Drive slower. Don’t brake hard. Turn off the A/C and roll your windows down.
As drivers are faced with rising gas prices amid the conflict in the Middle East, common fuel-saving tips like these often surface. However, experts warn that some widely accepted pieces of advice are mere myths.
According to GasBuddy, as of Monday, the average cost of gas was $3.60 a gallon, up about 16 cents from the week before and 61 cents more than in March.
I sat down for a virtual chat with Patrick De Haan, an analyst at GasBuddy, to see what’s a money saver and what’s a mere myth.
Gas is cheaper to buy on certain days of the week.
Money saver, though volatility from Middle East tensions has made timing less predictable. De Haan said that gas prices can be lower on certain days. Typically, Sundays tend to have lower prices because energy markets are closed, giving stations flexibility to discount fuel and attract customers on a slower day. He said Thursdays are often more expensive due to midweek energy reports and rising prices as markets are active during the week.
But in the current environment, with prices climbing rapidly, De Haan said buying gas sooner rather than later may be the better option.
Filling up in certain weather conditions can give drivers more bang for their buck.
Myth. Weather doesn’t make much difference when it comes to saving money at the pump, De Haan said. While colder temperatures can slightly increase fuel density, the benefit is minimal. Many stations also adjust for temperature — especially in warmer weather — by correcting fuel volume. Overall, there’s no specific weather or time that reliably gives drivers significantly more gas for their money.
It’s cheaper to buy gas with cash than with a card.
Possible money saver. Paying cash for gas can sometimes be cheaper than using a credit card because some stations offer cash discounts or charge a higher price for credit. De Haan said using a credit card may still be worthwhile if it offers rewards or rebates that exceed any cash discount. Loyalty programs can also lower prices by 5 to 10 cents per gallon. Ultimately, he said the best option depends on the station’s pricing, available discounts, and the benefits of your credit card.
Tire pressure plays a role in gas costs.
Money saver. Proper tire pressure has a direct impact on gas mileage. De Haan said underinflated tires create more friction and rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel efficiency. If the tire pressure warning light is on, at least one tire may be too low. Keeping tires properly inflated—typically around 35 PSI — helps reduce resistance and improve fuel efficiency.
LINK: Find current, local fuel prices on the ABC 17 Fuel Finder page
Having a clean air filter will get you better gas mileage.
Myth. De Haan said having a clean air filter has only a minor impact on gas mileage, making it somewhat of a myth. While a severely clogged air filter can cause problems and slightly reduce fuel efficiency, routine replacements don’t significantly improve gas mileage. Despite frequent upselling at service shops, De Haan said air filters usually just need to be replaced every one to two years, not at every oil change.
Rolling the windows down is better than running the A/C.
Money saver, depending on speed. De Haan said that at low speeds or in stop-and-go traffic, running the air conditioner makes the engine work harder, so rolling the windows down can save gas. At highway speeds, however, using the A/C has little impact on fuel efficiency because the engine is already working hard, and open windows can actually increase drag. Prolonged idling with the A/C on should be avoided, as it significantly reduces fuel efficiency.
Taking extra weight off your car can improve your fuel economy.
Money saver. Removing extra weight from your vehicle can improve fuel economy. Every additional 100 pounds can lower fuel efficiency by about 1 to 2 miles per gallon, De Haan said. Items like bike racks, cargo boxes, or large objects on the roof create drag, forcing the engine to work harder and use more fuel. He said roof racks and cargo carriers are especially harmful because they increase wind resistance and disrupt a vehicle’s aerodynamics, potentially cutting fuel efficiency by 20–25%.
Avoiding idling while not driving helps to save fuel.
Money saver. Idling delivers 0 miles per gallon and wastes gas. If you expect to be stopped for more than about a minute, De Haan said, turning the engine off can save fuel. That is why many newer vehicles use start-stop technology to automatically shut the engine off when the car isn’t moving.
Putting the pump in all the way ensures you get as much gasoline as possible, avoiding vapors.
Myth. Inserting the nozzle further does not help you get more gasoline. De Haan said gas stations use vapor recovery systems, and gas vapors don’t affect how much usable fuel you receive. What matters is the liquid fuel, not the vapors.
While no money-saving tips will likely make up for the significant price hikes the U.S. is facing amid the conflict in the Middle East, some could save you a few bucks at the pump and add up to measurable savings.
AAA has multiple Mid-Missouri stations on its list for the best gas rewards programs.
Its top pick is the Shell Fuel Rewards Program. New members who join by Apr. 30 can save 35 cents a gallon on their first fill-up at participating locations. Outside of the limited-time offer, new members would save 30 cents a gallon on their third fill-up. After that, regular gold status saves drivers 5 cents a gallon. Frequent drivers can reach platinum status and save 10 cents a gallon.
Shopping with a Hy-Vee PERKS card can stack savings with a Shell Fuel Rewards card.
Savings can also be found with popular apps like Upside. Users just need to download the free app, claim a discounted gas offer, and scan their receipt for cash back. According to Upside, on average, users save up to 25 cents per gallon and nearly $300 a year. Scanning that same receipt on the Fetch app can earn drivers points towards gift cards.
Some companies are rolling out additional savings.
Uber is significantly expanding discounts through Upside and Shell. Drivers and couriers can save up to $1 off per gallon using Upside, up from a maximum of 25 cents. And Shell users are now offered up to 21 cents off per gallon, up from a maximum of 7 cents.
On Friday, Amazon Prime announced members can save 20 cents per gallon at BP, Amoco and participating ampm and Thorntons locations, every Friday through May 29. To claim the offer, Prime members just have to connect their Amazon accounts to the free Earnify app.