15 Smart Ways to Save at the Gas Pump in 2026

Give your wallet a break from high gas prices! With these money-saving tips, you’ll pay less at the pump and get more miles from every fill-up

Feeling pain at the pump? You’re not alone. With gas prices reaching record highs and wallets stretched thinner than ever, drivers are searching for ways to save. 

Gas prices tend to climb even higher as summer approaches (due to higher demand and sometimes special gas blends meant for warmer weather, according to the American Automobile Association). So it’s no surprise that Yelp searches for “cheap gas” went up a whopping 317% in April 2026 compared to April 2025.*

Ready to save some money this summer? Whether you’re commuting to work or planning a road trip, these 15 tips will help you cut costs at the gas station and get the most mileage from the gas in your tank.

Pump prices can vary as much as 50–80 cents per gallon at gas stations within the same city or neighborhood, so shop around! Stations on busy highways and near interstate exits are often the most expensive — and sometimes, a much cheaper one may be a few blocks away. Search for the cheapest gas stations near you ahead of time on Yelp, and compare prices before you fill up.

The best days to buy gas are generally Sundays and Mondays, followed by Tuesdays and Saturdays, according to a GasBuddy study of the lowest and highest average prices in different states. Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays are typically more expensive.

Prices can vary by station, state, and region, so always keep an eye on local trends! (It’s also smart to fill up a few days before a major holiday weekend, as prices often spike right around big travel days.)

Most cars run well on 87-octane regular gas (the lowest grade). Premium fuel (91+ octane) can cost considerably more. “If your vehicle is rated to use 87 octane, there’s no good reason to put 93-octane premium gas in it,” says fuel-economy expert David Bennett, repair-systems manager for AAA. “It’s not going to do anything for you.”

Gas rewards credit cards offer as much as 2–6% cash back on gas purchases. Meanwhile, some supermarkets and big-box stores offer fuel discounts with their membership programs, sometimes saving you 10–30 cents per gallon just for buying your weekly groceries. Stores that may offer these discount programs include Food City, Giant, Hy-Vee, Kroger, Meijer, Ralphs, Safeway, Stop & Shop, Target, and Walmart.

Warehouse clubs like Costco, BJ’s, and Sam’s Club often have the lowest prices on gas. If you’re a member, filling up at their store-adjacent pumps can save you a lot. (And they may offer credit card cash-back programs as well.)

Driving uphill or in stop-and-go traffic can burn extra fuel, so navigation apps now offer fuel-efficient routing options. Look for the green leaf icon next to a suggested route on Apple Maps, or turn on the “prefer fuel-efficient routes” setting on Google Maps — they may take you on flatter, less congested roads that use less gas per mile. (As a bonus, Apple Maps also features Yelp reviews, ratings, and photos of passing businesses.)

Regularly checking tire pressure is a simple way to make sure your vehicle gets as many miles per gallon as possible, says the AAA’s Bennett. 

You can check your tire pressure monthly using a simple gauge — don’t wait for the dashboard warning light to come on. “Most manufacturers include the recommended tire pressures for your specific vehicle on a sticker located inside the driver’s door jamb area or on the inside of the fuel door,” says Pete Zavarelli, an auto-repair expert at Yelp’s automotive partner RepairPal. 

To ensure tires wear evenly, be sure to have them rotated and inspected regularly at a trusted local tire shop.

Dirty fuel injectors, old spark plugs, or a clogged air filter can quietly drain your gas tank. In fact, problems with your engine or exhaust system can reduce fuel economy by as much as 40%, the U.S. Energy Department says.

“Make sure the oil changes and tune-ups are up to date,” advises Jamie Merritt, co-owner of J&D Auto Repair in Nanuet, New York. And have your fuel injectors cleaned on a regular basis, he adds. “If they’re not being maintained, they get gunked up inside and you’re just wasting fuel.”

Fuel economy peaks at around 50 miles per hour for most cars. For every 5 mph you drive above that, you’re essentially paying an extra 10–20 cents per gallon, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Highway cruising at 75 mph can burn through fuel dramatically faster than sticking to a 65-mph speed limit.

Lighten up on that “lead foot” — rapid acceleration and hard braking can slash fuel economy by 25–30% at highway speeds and 10–40% in stop-and-go traffic. Instead, accelerate gently, brake gradually, and maintain a steady speed whenever possible to get the most out of every gallon. 

If you’re waiting to pick up someone, sitting in a long drive-thru line, or stopping for a train to pass, turn off the engine. Idling burns about half a gallon of gas per hour. If you’re shopping for a new car, look for a “stop-start” feature — it briefly shuts off the engine when you come to a stop, then automatically restarts it when you release the brake.

Every 100 pounds of cargo reduces fuel economy by about 1%. So clean out your trunk and remove heavy sporting equipment you don’t need. If your SUV has a removable third-row seat you rarely use, leave it in the garage — it can weigh up to 100 pounds.

Aerodynamics matter: The more outside air drags on your car at higher speeds, the more gas your engine uses to push through it.

Even an empty roof rack creates aerodynamic drag that hurts mileage. A large, blunt cargo box can reduce fuel economy by 2–8% in city driving and 10–25% at highway speeds, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. So if you’re not using it, leave it at home.

Your car’s engine runs most efficiently when it’s already warmed up. Multiple short, cold-start trips throughout the week will use significantly more fuel than one longer, well-planned route. So map out your stops before leaving the house and avoid running errands during peak traffic hours.

The simplest (and most obvious) way to save on gas? Drive fewer miles. Some ways to cut your monthly fuel spend: Carpool with a coworker 1–2 days a week, use public transportation, ride your bike on short neighborhood trips, or ask about working from home one day a week.

How can I spend less money on gas?
Driving less — and driving a fuel-efficient car — are the simplest ways to spend less on gas. But you’ll also save by shopping around at gas stations, using cash-back credit cards, keeping your vehicle well maintained, avoiding fast acceleration and speeding, and removing heavy objects from the trunk and roof.

Is gas cheaper if you pay cash?
Yes, in some cases. Certain gas stations charge less for cash payments because it allows them to avoid credit card service charges. (They also may charge an add-on fee for debit cards.) This isn’t always clearly posted, so double-check before you fill up.

Can using driving apps actually save money on gas?
Sometimes, yes. Navigation apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps now offer eco-friendly route options that minimize stops and hills, which helps reduce fuel consumption. Even a small change to a less congested or flatter route can add up to savings over time.

*Yelp analyzed the frequency of the phrase mentioned per million searches on Yelp, comparing April 2026 to April 2025.

“How to Save Money on Gas” was written and reported by Yelp editorial staff with the help of automotive experts.