Do you that you spend half as much time at the pump as you do driving? Well, with high gas prices and the popularity of SUV’s, people are spending more and more money at the pump. Today, prices and fuel-efficiency have gotten so bad that people are actually turning down better job offers, because the job would require a longer commute.
However, if you are like many people that have no other alternative but to commute to their job by vehicle, then take note of the following money saving tips.

The more aware you are of the amount of fuel that you use the more you can do to try to reduce your gas costs. Keep a fuel log. Track your weekly fuel log to see how much your gas consumption is going up and your mileage per gallon is going down. This may be an indicator that your vehicle needs servicing.

Always buy gas from a gas station that is constantly busy. A gas station that is constantly busy has its underground tanks filled on a regular basis. Gas stations that are slow will have gas that has been sitting in underground tanks for longer periods of time, which leads to gas contamination. If you purchase gas that is contaminated, then you are purchasing gas that is less potent and will reduce your fuel economy.

When you have finished filling up your tank, turn the nozzle of the hose 180 degrees. This will drain more gas into your tank, which will add up to a lot of extra gas at the end of the year. On the other hand, try to avoid “topping off” at the pump. The best time to replenish your gas tank is when you have half a tank or less left in your vehicle, or when gas is at an all time low that day.

Finally, a way to save money at the pump is by not purchasing high-octane gas. Higher-octane gas is more expensive and doesn’t perform better than regular gas. Octane is a measurement on how to ignite the gas in your car and has nothing to do with the quality of the gas.