Ask the Money Coach: 10 Easy Ways to Save Money on Gas for Your Car

If you’re like me, you’ve definitely noticed that you’re paying higher prices at the pump to fill up your car.

In fact, gas prices have edged higher in the past two weeks in October, with the average price for regular gasoline now at $3.46 per gallon, That’s up 64 cents a gallon from a year ago, according to AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report.

Even more dismaying, some experts say gas prices in 2012 won’t decline.

Since we’re all trying to save a buck, here are 10 easy ways you can save money on gasoline:

1: Consider an “off brand” gasoline station.

You may be used to buying gas only from Chevron, ExxonMobil, or some other well-known oil company. But many experts will tell you that gas is gas. For example, experts at AAA in California did blind testing of “brand name” gas versus “off brand” gas and found no difference.

They tested samples of

each type of gas for fuel economy; emissions; performance and drivability — and they were exactly the same. Unlike a few decades ago when cheaper gas was harmful to your car and its performance, that’s not the case today. Why? Regulations requiring cleaner, better-performing fuel apply to nearly all gas companies. So that no-name station offering gas that’s 10 cents or cheaper per gallon may be worth a try.

2. Fill up when you are not under the gun.

Why fill up your gas tank when you’re on empty, rushing to work, or under the gun? If you do, chances are you’ll hit the first station you see — which could be the most expensive. Instead, identify the cheapest station in your area, then filler up.

3: Identify “deal days”.

Find a gas station that offers a break on specific days of the week (i.e. 10 cents off Tuesdays, etc.) and routinely patronize that business.

4: Calculate the savings achieved by driving across a state border.

For example, buying gas in Northern New Jersey is typically a lot cheaper than New York. If you work, shop or visit the next state, can you fill up there?

5: Use Turnpikes and Parkways.

In New Jersey, where I live, the state government regulates turnpikes and parkways — as well as gas stations in the Garden State. Consequently, gas stations can only change their rates on specific days of the week. The same may apply in your state. If so, be sure to fill up before the normal day that price hikes kick in.

6: Lose weight, save gas.

What are you towing around in the trunk of your car? Are you willing not to carry a spare? Or can you avoid lugging around so much stuff to minimize gas consumption? Doing so could decrease your gas consumption, thereby lowering the amount of money you have to lay out for fuel.

7: Keep those tires inflated.

Studies show that properly inflated tires on your car lead to better fuel efficiency. So don’t roll around with a set of deflated wheels that make you look like you’re in a low-rider (chances are, you’re not).

8: Slow down speedy.

Like to gun your car engine? Why not just toss a few dollars out the window, same thing. Driving at slower speeds conserves gas.

9: Find the owner’s manual.

Your owner’s manual can tip you off to several ways to operate your vehicle at maximum efficiency, including making the most of your gas use. For instance, circle the octane, memorize the octane, and buy the recommended octane – today and forever.

10: Gimme something.

Check your credit card rewards programs for incentives to buy a particular brand of

gasoline over another. Your credit card may offer frequent flier miles or cash back for your gas purchases. Don’t forget to pay off the balance in full each month. Also, beware of gasoline cards. They may offer you a deal (like 5 cents off per gallon) for filling up with their brand of gas. But they usually make up for that by charging you higher than average interest rates on the card.

If you take a few minutes to think about, and plan for your gas consumption, you’ll find plenty of crafty ways to save money at the pump.

“Ask The Money Coach” is a syndicated column written by personal finance expert Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, co-founder of the free financial advice blog, AskTheMoneyCoach.com. Follow Lynnette on Twitter at @themoneycoach.