Ways to save money on gas amid Iran war price hikes

Average gas prices nationwide are up more than $1 per gallon since the war in Iran began at the end of February – and prices are expected to remain high through the summer. 

Here are some ways to save some money at the gas pump: 

How to save money on gas

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Some ways to save money on gas include comparing prices, joining loyalty programs and driving more efficiently. The timing and location of where you fill up matters, too, as does paying with cash or a debit card instead of credit. 

RELATED: Trump admits gas prices could remain high through November elections

Best day to buy gas

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A recent GasBuddy analysis found that Sunday is the most consistently affordable day to fill up in most states. Midweek, particularly Wednesday through Friday, tends to be more expensive. 

Where to buy gas

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If you can avoid it, gas stations directly on major highways or near exits are typically more expensive than those further away from the highway or major city areas.

Local perspective:

Technology can help you compare gas prices near you in real-time, and get you thinking outside of your routine driving habits. You could find cheaper gas close to you that you might not otherwise drive by. 

Popular apps or websites include: 

• GasBuddy app
• Gas Guru app
• AAA
• Fuel Finder
• Maps apps (Google, Waze)

Dig deeper:

If available to you, gas stations on tribal lands and military bases also tend to be cheaper.

Tribes are often tax exempt from state taxes, slightly lowering gas costs, and on-base fuel stations run by military exchanges price gas competitively. 

RELATED: Inflation may see its largest increase in years as gas prices surge

Gas loyalty programs

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Several major businesses and grocers offer loyalty rewards:

• Costco / Sam’s Club / BJ’s (Membership cost) 
• Kroger Fuel Points (1 fuel point per $1 spent, with 2x special offers)
• Walmart+ (Save up to 10 cents per gallon at select stations) 
• Albertsons / Safeway (Save with points at select stations)

Also, check your favorite gas station. Many have their own rewards programs. 

Dig deeper:

Also check your credit card rewards. Some may offer bonuses at certain gas stations, or let you get gas gift cards with your points. 

Some gas stations specifically offer their own credit cards as well, which could include a discount of up to 10 cents a gallon.

How to improve fuel economy

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Here are some ways involving your vehicle that could help improve fuel economy and save money at the pump: 

• Check tire pressure 
• Drive less aggressively
• Empty your trunk
• Avoid air conditioning 
• Unnecessarily using premium gas 

Check tire pressure:

Keeping your tires properly inflated can save you up to 11 cents per gallon, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Drive less aggressively:

Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower gas mileage by roughly 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic, according to the Department of Energy. 

Empty your trunk:

The Department of Energy says an extra 100 lbs. in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by about 1%. Adding weight on the roof and hauling cargo also lowers fuel economy. 

Air conditioning:

Minimize your use of air conditioning. Even at highway speeds, open windows have less effect on fuel economy than the engine power required to operate the air conditioning compressor, according to AAA. 

Premium gas:

If premium gas is only "recommended" for your car, using regular gas shouldn’t be a problem, according to the experts at Cars.com. If premium gas is "required" 

– don’t switch. But switching, even temporarily, could save dozens of dollars a month on gas. 

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