How to Get Cheaper Gas: Tips for Drivers in the USA and the UK

Ever feel like every time you fill up your tank, your wallet takes a hit? You’re not imagining things—gas prices are climbing, and for most of us, it’s draining our budgets faster than ever. Whether you’re in New York, London, or anywhere in between, saving money on gas isn’t just a good idea—it’s a financial necessity.

Here’s the good news – With just a few smart moves, you can beat high gas prices and keep more cash in your pocket. This guide reveals how to get cheaper gas without needing to drive miles out of your way or make your life complicated.

Why Gas Prices Keep Going Up (And What You Can Do About It)

Let’s start with the reality: gas prices are influenced by global oil markets, taxes, refinery issues, currency exchange rates, and geopolitical tensions. But you’re not powerless. The right strategies can help you consistently save at the pump, regardless of what’s happening in the world.

Whether you live in the UK, where petrol prices can top £1.50 per litre, or in the USA, where prices fluctuate wildly between states, these tips apply to you.

How to Get Cheaper Gas: Practical Tips

1. Use Gas Price Comparison Apps

For USA Drivers:

Apps like GasBuddy, Upside, and AAA’s Mobile App help you find the cheapest gas in your area in real time. Simply enter your zip code, and these apps show nearby stations ranked by price.

For UK Drivers:

Try PetrolPrices.com or Waze. These apps and websites allow you to compare fuel prices at local petrol stations and even set price alerts.

Pro Tip: Always check prices before leaving home. A quick check can save you 10–20 cents per gallon—or more.

2. Join a Fuel Rewards Program

USA Options:

Shell Fuel Rewards – Save up to 5¢ per gallon every time you fill up.
BPme Rewards – Instant savings and loyalty points with each purchase.
Kroger Fuel Points – Earn points from groceries and use them at affiliated gas stations.

UK Options:

Tesco Clubcard – Earn points when you buy fuel and redeem them for money off.
Sainsbury’s Nectar Points – Get discounts based on your spending.
Shell Go+ – Offers rewards, cashback, and personalized offers on fuel.

Real-world savings? Absolutely. Some users report saving £10-£15 or $10-$20 per month using reward programs consistently.

3. Buy Gas at the Right Time

Gas prices usually spike on weekends and drop midweek. Aim to fill up on Monday or Tuesday mornings.

In the USA, prices often rise on Thursday as people prepare for the weekend.
In the UK, you might notice a Monday-Wednesday dip in prices.

Bonus Tip: Fill up in the morning. Gas is denser when cool, so you get more bang for your buck.

4. Drive Smart to Save More Fuel

You don’t need a hybrid car to drive fuel-efficiently. Smart driving habits can cut your fuel consumption by up to 30%.

Do This:

Accelerate gradually—avoid aggressive driving.
Stick to the speed limit—fuel efficiency drops above 60 mph.
Use cruise control on highways.
Avoid idling—modern engines don’t need “warming up.”

Whether you drive a Ford F-150 in Texas or a Vauxhall Corsa in Manchester, smoother driving = cheaper gas bills.

5. Choose the Right Fuel Type

Many drivers in both the US and the UK pay more for premium fuel unnecessarily.

Check your car manual. If it says “regular unleaded,” don’t waste money on premium. It doesn’t clean your engine better—it just burns your budget faster.

Switching from premium to regular (when appropriate) can save £6–£10 ($8–$12) per full tank.

6. Buy at Supermarkets or Warehouse Clubs

In the UK, supermarket petrol stations (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda) usually undercut branded stations like Shell or BP.

In the USA, Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s typically sell gas cheaper than standard stations, sometimes by up to 30¢ per gallon.

Tip: If you already shop at these stores, signing up for their fuel program is a no-brainer.

7. Maintain Your Car for Better Mileage

A well-maintained vehicle is more fuel-efficient. Regular tune-ups can reduce fuel usage by up to 20%.

Checklist:

Keep tires properly inflated (underinflated tires waste fuel).
Replace air filters and spark plugs regularly.
Get oil changes on schedule.
Use the recommended motor oil.

Think of it as preventative maintenance for your wallet.

8. Don’t Top Off Your Tank

Once the pump clicks, stop. “Topping off” can waste fuel and mess with your car’s vapor recovery system.

You’re paying for gas that evaporates or spills out.

9. Consider Carpooling or Alternative Transport (When Practical)

Yes, we all love convenience, but even just carpooling twice a week can cut your fuel bill in half. Apps like BlaBlaCar (UK) or Waze Carpool (USA) can help.

Read Also: 20 Ways to Save Money on Flights

Live in a walkable area or near public transport? Mix it up with a train or bus ride once a week and watch your fuel bill shrink.

10. Watch for Promotions & Coupons

Fuel promotions aren’t just a myth. Watch out for:

Holiday weekend discounts in the USA
Supermarket-linked promotions in the UK, like “spend £50, get 5p off per litre”
Cashback credit cards that offer 2–5% back on fuel

Just make sure you’re not spending more just to save on gas—keep it practical.

11. Pay with Cash When Possible

Some gas stations in the US offer a lower price for cash payments, usually 5–10 cents cheaper per gallon.

UK readers: While less common, some independent petrol stations might also offer deals for debit or loyalty card users.

Recap: How to Get Cheaper Gas – The Smart Way

Let’s recap the most practical ways to keep gas costs low:

Use gas price comparison apps
Join reward and loyalty programs
Fill up midweek and in the morning
Drive smoothly and avoid idling
Choose the right type of fuel
Shop at supermarkets and warehouse clubs
Keep your car well-maintained
Avoid topping off the tank
Consider carpooling occasionally
Use promotions, cashback, and loyalty discounts
Pay with cash when it saves you money

Conclusion: Stop Overpaying for Gas – Start Saving Now

You don’t need to drastically change your lifestyle or buy an electric car to save money on gas. You just need to be a little more strategic. From smart driving habits to loyalty programs, timing your fill-ups to using the right tools, the savings add up quickly.

Whether you’re navigating the congested roads of Los Angeles or the narrow lanes of Birmingham, these small changes can keep more money in your bank account—and less in the fuel companies’.

Start using at least three of these tips today, and you’ll feel the difference by the end of the week.