Vision Credit Education, Inc.

Many economists predict that higher gasoline prices are here to stay. If they are right, you could be stuck paying around $4 a gallon. There are some tips that could save you 7% or more on gasoline prices.

Find the Cheapest Gasoline

Gasoline prices can vary by as much as 20 cents a gallon in the same city. Finding the gas stations that have the cheapest gas can save you tremendously.

Obviously, it makes no sense driving across town to save a few cents per gallon. However, you can time some of your fill-ups when you are near gas stations with lower prices.

One tool depends on volunteers to provide price updates which are then reported for public benefit. Gasbuddy tracks gasoline prices nationally as reported by volunteers. Prices are accurate to within 72 hours.

Additionally, there a an increasing number of services that provide gas price updates via cell phones and GPS enabled navigation devices. Some services are free, while others may charge up to $15 a year.

Use a Rewards Credit Card

When you obtain a rewards credit card that provides substantial gasoline-related benefits, you can cut costs substantially. Some cards provide free gasoline rebates, while others provide cash rebates.

Look for a rewards card that pays up to 5% on a permanent basis. Some rewards credit cards provide good introductory benefits that are soon reduced to very low amounts.

A permanent rate of at least 3 to 5 percent savings is best. Also, you will wish to take into consideration if those savings are available at any gasoline retailer, or if you must stick with a certain brand.

Remember that savings can be negated by annual fees or finance charges on balances carried on the account. To find a rewards card, Bankrate generally has some of the best comparative information to help you select the best rewards card for your needs.

Maintain your Vehicle

A properly tuned vehicle can enhance fuel economy, but a tune up can cost a pretty penny. However, a cheap step can be to ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires can ruin fuel economy.

Reduce Driving Needs

You may wish to examine your driving habits to determine if certain trips can be combined to reduce overall driving needs. Also, avoiding rush hour can reduce the time you are spent idling or at stoplights.

Buying a new vehicle just to save on fuel costs makes very little sense, as the depreciation costs can far exceed the fuel savings. Unless you get horrible fuel economy, you might be better off holding onto that older vehicle and taking it easy on the throttle!