Normal Heights, Calif. (KGTV) - Gas prices are on the rise and saving at the pump may seem impossible. However, a few small changes to your lifestyle could help.
Samantha O’Brien, a local real estate agent, drives all over San Diego county visiting clients.
But with gas prices skyrocketing, drivers like Samantha are getting hit the hardest.
“It just makes it a little harder to get around town and also takes a toll on my bank account,” Samantha said.
According to AAA, the National average for regular gas is now at $2.90 a gallon, and the average for gasoline in California is $3.71. San Diego is higher than both, coming in at $3.75 a gallon.
“It’s expensive, it’s expensive,” said O’Brien.
But a few simple changes could help you save.
One way is to plan ahead and not wait until your tank is on empty. This will give you time to find a good deal on gas, instead of going to the first station you see.
You can also purchase discounted gas gift cards on sites like gift card granny. But make sure they are reputable places.
Driving around looking for gas wastes time especially if you don’t know where you’re going, so another way you can save, is by using a fuel finder app. There are several to pick from like GasBuddy, AAA, Fuel Finder and Waze. Just allow the apps to access your location, and it will generate a list of cheap gas closest to you.
Another way you can save is by paying with cash and ditching the credit cards. This will help you avoid interest rates and additional fees associated with card use.
“Sometimes if you pay cash like I did today, it makes a huge difference. I'm like that's ten cents, I'm gonna keep my money, “ Stevie Barajas said.
Being aware of the way you drive and keeping up with car maintenance will help you conserve fuel, which is another way to stretch your dollar.
Making sure your tires are correctly inflated, turning off the air conditioning and keeping your trunk empty will all preserve fuel.
Also, accelerating slowly from a green light and stopping gradually from a red light can also cut fuel consumption and using cruise control when you drive on the highway also helps you save fuel.
“I would rather spend it on anything else but gas,” O’Brien said.
Samantha O’Brien, says she spends 80 dollars on gas every time she fills up, now says she wants to give these tips a try.
