With gas prices skyrocketing, Americans are struggling at the pump. This has paved the way for many to consider alternative options.
In the last few months, gas has increased tenfold. With no end in sight for the gas price increase, it is time to consider a new way to drive less and save more money.
Here are the top ways to opt for driving a little less and saving a little more on gas:
Combine Trips
A great way to drive less and save more is to plan accordingly. If you have multiple errands, create a route that is the shortest and most direct route.
Avoiding multiple short trips can save time, gas, and money. Doing it all at once even helps with time management and efficiency.
Go Car-Free
Plan some days to go car-free. Opt for different methods of transportation.
Here are some great alternatives to driving a car:
- Carpool with a friend/coworker
- Take the bus
- Public transit
- Bike ride
- Scooter
- Walk
Consider an E-bike
Many people are choosing an E-bike. Not only does it save on gas, but it can be incredibly fun.
For short to moderate distances, an E-bike is a great alternative to wasting money at the pump. It is low-carbon and can replace the need for a car.
Driving a Little Better
Yes, if you drive a little better, you can save a little more money. In the event you must take a car, there are several ways you can save money behind the wheel.
They are as follows:
- Obey the speed limits – Speed above 50 mph greatly affects your miles per gallon (MPG)
- Drive smoother – Rapid acceleration and braking hard can wreak havoc on your gas tank—by up to 30% on your MPG!
- Keep a steady speed – You can even use cruise control to assist with this
- Stop idling – Turning your car on well before you enter the vehicle wastes a ton of gas
- Keep tires inflated – The proper inflation of tires can help with the use of gas
- Remove extra weight – Get rid of heavy items in your car
- Keep mechanical issues fixed – Properly maintain your vehicle for optimum gas usage
Rideshare
It may sound counterintuitive, but rideshare options may save you money in the long run. With gas prices inching toward the sky, ridesharing may be the best bet to save cash.
Many rideshare companies have an option to share with another rider. This can save you even more money.
Carpool
Carpooling is not just a thing of the past or for the neighborhood school kids. Many employees carpool with one another to work.
Another great idea is to carpool with friends to events. Several online sites also offer local carpooling for passengers going in the same direction.
Walk
A great way to drive less and save a ton of money is to walk. Pending the weather and the distance, walking may be a great option.
Not only does walking improve your overall health and well-being, but it also saves you money on gas. It can also save you money for car maintenance, as wear and tear on the vehicle will be minimized when used less.
Plan and Budget Trips
If you are going on a trip, plan accordingly and budget. Use websites like FuelEconomy.gov to estimate how much gas will cost you.
Next, you can plan the best route based on your journey. These strategies can help you avoid overplanning and overspending on necessary mileage and gas usage.
Consider Public Transportation
A great choice to save money on gas and to drive less is to consider public transportation. Here are several great public transportation options:
- Buses
- Lightrails
- Subways
- Trains
- Even campervans
Work From Home (if possible)
With the remote working world on the rise since COVID, many employees opt for working from home. Many people left their positions to find a better life/work balance. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), around 35 million people worked from home in 2026. This equates to roughly a quarter of the American population.
If your job permits you to work from home, choose that option to save gas. Your remote working arrangement can also increase your overall health and mental wellness. You will also be happier not having to sit in traffic to get to the office—and then go back again.
Bottom Line
Saving money at the pump is on everyone’s mind. As gas prices rise by the day, people are looking for ways to drive less and save more. From choosing carpooling and rideshares to walking, biking, or opting to work from home, many options exist to save money.
By driving less, you contribute to a healthier environment, mental health, and wellness, and find peace of mind with extra cash in your pockets. Driving less can help save a ton of money each month if the right strategy is chosen.
