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It’s time to shift gears toward smarter driving now that fuel prices have spiked! Here are some cool hacks and even cooler apps to help motorists make the most out of gassing up!

Prices of commodities such as groceries and gas for our vehicles have skyrocketed again this year, no thanks to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.  

Just this March 2022, nationwide gas prices were at $4.25, according to The American Automobile Association (AAA).  As of this writing, the current gas price nationwide is $3.70/gallon.

This figure fluctuates every week. It’s rather difficult to predict where gas prices will fall tomorrow, never mind next week, or next month. It could rise to a few cents, but if we’re lucky, prices could just as easily drop a couple of tenths of a cent down.

While many motorists are opting to trade their internal combustion engine cars in for greener BEV models, it’s still fair to say that many motorists are still reliant on fuel and gas for their vehicles to run. The demand for car fuel is still very high, but its supply is running low.

(Also read: Our EV Future: The Road So Far)

For every budget-conscious motorist and driver out there who wants to pinch their pennies and get the most out of gassing up, here are several ways to maximize your car’s fuel economy. First, we’ll recommend some cool free mobile apps that will help save you gas money, and then we’ll share clever little workarounds to maximize your car’s fuel efficiency.

Gas Up, Save More

There is no shame in stocking up on tips, hacks, apps, and cards that will save you those precious cents. These apps are all free to download and are available for both iOS and Android, so pick one (or three) that will give you the most bang for your buck.

Waze - Founded in 2008, and acquired by Google in 2011, is there any motorist who doesn’t know Waze? Yes, we know that this app can point you towards the most efficient routes on your trip, but did you know that  it can also be very helpful in seeking out the nearest and cheapest gas stations in your area? Waze will even show you the gas prices in these gas stations. What’s more, Waze has a contactless payment feature that allows users to pay through their mobile phones at participating Exxon Mobile and Shell stations.

MapQuest - This legendary service has been around since 1986, but it sure has come a long wayin the digital age! Like Waze, MapQuest is more known for being a navigational tool, but apart from providing up-to-the-minute traffic information, the app can also show motorists gas stations along their route, as well as check prices so that they may pick the cheapest option. MapQuest also allows its users to book restaurant reservations through its app.

Gas Buddy - This is the most well-known gas app in the country and has been around since 2000. Gas Buddy collates data submitted by other users of the app to report gas prices in a particular area, as well as data submitted by gas stations. Some users have reported that the price information often fluctuates because it heavily relies on user-generated data, but may still find the app very reliable.

Users will need to key in their zip code for the app to generate the gas prices in the area. Along with the app, Gas Buddy also offers a card that can be connected to one’s bank account, but one needs to provide personal information such as an address,  driver’s license information, and a checking account routing number. If you’re willing to go the distance, you can save up to 25 cents off a gallon of gas.

Tech that helps you save more

The key to improving your car’s gas efficiency is really in regular maintenance. Interested in more mid-term solutions to save up on gas and optimize efficiency? There’s an app for that! Here are a few gas-efficiency apps that will help you improve your car’s gas economy by being more mindful of maintenance.

Dash - All automobiles manufactured from 1996 and beyond has a portal that lets their drivers log the car’s onboard diagnostics. Dash pulls up that data to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Drivers can use this data to determine if their car’s components are due for a tune-up or a trip to the mechanics’ for some TLC. Dash also provides traffic information and can call for emergency services when airbags are deployed.

greenMeter - This app empowers motorists by providing data that can improve one’s driving style. More analytical than most apps, greenMeter uses your smartphone’s accelerator sensors to measure engine power, your car’s aerodynamic drag, and rolling resistance. It provides motorists with a clear picture of how one uses energy at different driving speeds. It can even track your car’s energy expenditure in dollars or CO2 output.

My Carma - Just like greenMeter, My Carma empowers motorists to review their driving habits to improve their car’s gas economy. My Carma measures driving habits and issues a personalized fuel economy sticker.

Existing car tech you need to take advantage of now

Along with apps to help you save on gas money, and regular car maintenance and care, changing bad driving habits will take your gallons a long way. Idling and revving can use up more gas than you think! Fast starts are just as bad and end up wasting gas. Those habits have got to go!

Don’t forget that your car is equipped with features that when used correctly, can help you optimize your fuel efficiency. Simply being aware of driver-activate modes, for instance, can help reduce fuel wastage. Use your gliding or sailing settings when coasting downhill to reduce gas consumption. Taking advantage of your car’s aerodynamic features can also help lessen gas wastage.

Driving smart means being mindful of how your car behaves and your driving style and habits. With these smart solutions, improving your car’s fuel economy is a matter of working with what you already have combined with a few smart clicks on a mobile app.

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