In last week’s blog we published the first in a series of posts dealing with rising gas prices. Specifically we discussed the convenience factor of using a South Carolina Federal Credit Union debit card at the pump.
Based on comments posted and emails, seems folks want to focus even more on avenues they can use to reduce their price at the pump. So, this week a group of South Carolina Federal employees are going to share their personal tips on how to save real $$$ on gas:
1. Check out websites that help you find the best prices. The definitive site seems to be southcarolinagasprices.com, a drill down site associated with gasbuddy.com. Kristen likes the fact that the SC site is updated every 36 hours.
2. Angel receives discounts each week using her BiLo card. She says she makes normal food purchases at the BiLo store, earns points, and then swipes the card at gas stations displaying the little red BiLo apple. Gas is then pumped at a deeply discounted price per gallon. “The key to maximum savings”, Angel said, “is to always fill up on empty”.
3. Using your South Carolina Federal Visa card at the pump will build up CU Rewards points, and then convert those points to a gas card. Jennifer says that with gas prices going as high as they are, it won’t take long to get to 7700 points for a $50 gas card. “If you have to get gas anyway, you may as well be rewarded for it.”
4. Finally, Rogenia reminds everyone to check their vehicle manual to find out which type of gas (high or low octane) is recommended by the manufacturer for best performance. If your car doesn’t require high octane fuel, don’t waste $$$ just because a gas station poster says you may benefit from it.
Just a couple money-saving tips from some of the folks here at South Carolina Federal. If you have a tip to share, please add to the comments below, or email me and we’ll try and include in a future post since, it seems, gas prices are not poised to go down anytime in the near future.
Good point on the “don’t use high octane if your car doesn’t need it.” The higher octane fuels are intended for vehicles with high compression ratios (think expensive cars like Mercedes, Porsche, BMW, etc.).
Most cars will not benefit from 93 octane anymore than 87 octane.
There are also the simple things like proper tire pressure, regular maintenance, and not driving like you are being chased by dinosaurs everywhere you go. Those small things can add up to better fuel economy.
And if all that fails, I’m buying a camel for my commute.