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Beat High Gas Prices With These 14 Road Trip Hacks
Save at the pump, stretch your miles, and unlock sneaky insider tricks truckers have used for years.
14 Road Trip Gas Hacks Truckers Swear By
Because nothing kills road trip vibes faster than $5.29 a gallon.
Whether you’re cruising Route 66, hitting the Pacific Coast Highway, or just running across the border for a quick weekend escape, there’s no reason to pay full price for gas. Truckers, long-haul drivers, and savvy travelers have been sharing these secrets for years — now they’re yours.
Let’s hit the road. 🚦
1. Use GasBuddy Like Your Co-Pilot ⛽️
GasBuddy isn’t just an app; it’s your sidekick. Covering over 150,000 gas stations across the U.S. and Canada, it updates prices in real-time so you can skip the expensive pumps.
2. The Costco Pump Secret 🛒
Costco gas is often up to $1 cheaper per gallon — and you don’t always need to be a member to get it (check local rules).
Pro tip: Hit Costco in the morning before everyone else rolls in. Less wait, lower price, better vibes.
3. Swipe the Right Rewards Card 💳
Don’t leave points on the table. Use a credit card that earns extra cashback or travel miles on gas purchases. A single summer road trip could net you hundreds in free rewards.
4. The “Monday Gas Trick” 🗓️
Gas prices usually peak on Fridays and Saturdays when everyone’s hitting the road. According to GasBuddy, the cheapest days to fill up are Monday and Tuesday.
Plan your refuel stops early in the week and save instantly.
5. Check Prices Before Crossing State Lines 🛣️
Taxes make a big difference. Before you cross state or provincial borders, compare gas prices on both sides.
Example: Fill up in Arizona instead of California and you can save $1+ per gallon.
6. Stick to the Speed Limit 🚘
Every extra 5 mph over 50 is like adding $0.29 per gallon. Keep your cruise control on, keep your wallet happy.
Bonus: Your passengers will thank you for not white-knuckling the ride.
7. Drive Smooth — Seriously 🕶️
Truckers know this trick: avoid sudden braking, quick acceleration, and weaving through traffic.
It improves your MPG by 15–30% on highways and 10–40% in stop-and-go traffic.
Smooth is cool. Smooth saves cash.
8. Pack Light & Ditch Roof Cargo 🎸
Your cousin’s golf clubs? That extra cooler? Leave them. Every 100 lbs in your vehicle reduces MPG by about 1%.
And that rooftop cargo box? It kills efficiency by up to 25% on highways. Use a rear-mounted carrier if you need the extra space.
9. Use Warehouse Club Apps 📱
Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s don’t just have cheap gas — their apps sometimes offer hidden member-only discountsyou won’t see on the pump.
10. Set Up Gas Price Alerts 🔔
GasBuddy and AAA can notify you instantly when prices dip near your route. Combine this with flexible refueling and you’ll save without even thinking about it.
11. Pay Cash Instead of Credit 💵
Some gas stations quietly charge more per gallon for credit. Look for “cash discounts” — sometimes you’ll shave 10–15 cents instantly.
12. Join Truck Stop Loyalty Programs 🚛
Truckers don’t just rack up miles; they rack up discounts. Programs like Pilot Flying J, TA, and Love’s offer free memberships that score cents off per gallon and free coffee perks.
13. Use Route Planning Apps with Fuel Optimization 🗺️
Apps like Waze, Roadtrippers, and Google Maps now suggest gas stops along your route based on cheapest prices, not just proximity.
14. Get Your Car Checked Before You Go 🛠️
AAA estimates 380,000 breakdowns happen every major holiday weekend. Bad tires, dead batteries, clogged filters — they all ruin your mileage and your mood.
A quick once-over at a mechanic before hitting the road can save you hundreds in wasted fuel and tow fees.
Final Pit Stop 🏁
Your next road trip shouldn’t smell like burning money.
Use these 14 insider hacks to:
Stretch your miles
Cut fuel costs
Earn free travel rewards
Enjoy the open road — stress-free
Before you gas up, grab these bonus resources:
Now go make some memories — and keep your cash for the good stuff, like diner pie and roadside Polaroids. ✌️
Tank full. Wallet happy. Adventure on,
Founder, Auto: Estate Club