Road trips offer adventure, flexibility, and a chance to explore on your terms—but fuel expenses can quickly eat into your travel budget. With a little planning and a few smart tools, you can save significantly on every mile. Here are the top fuel-saving hacks to help you hit the road without draining your wallet.
- Buy Discounted Gas Gift Cards in Advance
Before you even leave the driveway, stock up on discounted gift cards from Fluz. The app lets you shop discounted Shell gift cards and other gas brands, earning cashback on every purchase. These digital cards work just like cash and can be combined with loyalty programs like Shell’s Fuel Rewards to double up on savings.
- Use GasBuddy to Plan Fuel Stops
GasBuddy remains one of the most reliable tools for finding the cheapest fuel along your route. Use its trip cost calculator to plan fuel stops in advance and avoid overpriced stations in high-traffic tourist areas. The app also alerts you to price spikes and promotions from nearby retailers.
- Take Advantage of Ibotta at Roadside Stops
Ibotta isn’t just for groceries—it often features offers at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Love’s Travel Stops. Activate offers before entering the store, then upload your receipt to earn cashback on snacks, drinks, and even fuel-related purchases like windshield fluid.
- Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Under-inflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure before your trip and make adjustments at the nearest air station to avoid losing fuel economy from the start.
- Lighten Your Load
Extra weight reduces fuel efficiency, especially in smaller vehicles. Remove unnecessary gear, roof boxes, or cargo that isn’t essential. According to fueleconomy.gov, an extra 100 pounds can reduce MPG by about 1%.
- Avoid Cruise Control on Hilly Terrain
While cruise control helps on flat highways, it can overcompensate on hills and burn more gas. In mountainous areas, drive manually to adjust speed more efficiently.
- Choose Fuel-Efficient Routes
Use Waze or Google Maps to select routes that avoid traffic and minimize idling. Both apps can reroute based on real-time traffic conditions and save you from burning gas unnecessarily.
- Use Loyalty and Rewards Programs
Many gas stations offer free loyalty programs that provide per-gallon discounts, such as Exxon Mobil Rewards+, BPme Rewards, and Speedway Speedy Rewards. Combine these with your gift card purchases for added value.
- Map Out Rest Stops Strategically
Stopping at travel centers that also offer cashback (like through Ibotta or Fluz) can help you offset snack and fuel purchases. Look for chains like Pilot Flying J and Love’s, which often have partner offers.
- Track Spending and Savings
Use apps like Drivvo to monitor fuel spend, track receipts, and see how much you’re saving by using apps like Fluz, GasBuddy, and Ibotta. Tracking makes it easier to stick to your road trip budget and identify which hacks work best for you.
Final Thoughts
Fuel savings on the road don’t require extreme tactics—just smart planning. By combining discounted gift cards, cashback apps, and a few maintenance tips, your next trip can be both memorable and budget-friendly.
