Don’t look now, but the price of gas in your area has probably increased again. As frustrating as it may be, there are things you can do to save at the pump. Even if it’s just a few dollars here and there, it’ll put your budget in a better spot.

Here are five of the best ways to fight against the impact of rising gas prices:

1. Carpool

When you carpool, you cut back on the amount of gas that you use. You’re also helping other people do the same. Not only does carpooling save you money, but it’s also good for the environment. That’s a true win-win!

2. Use public transportation

When carpooling is not an option, consider public transportation. Can you take a bus? How about the subway? Maybe ride your bike?

Even if you don’t use public transportation every time you leave your house, doing so every now and again will save you on the cost of gas. 

3. Slow down

When you’re behind the wheel, do your best to drive the speed limit. Yes, this is difficult at times, but the faster you drive the more gas your vehicle uses. So, slow down and track the impact on your gas tank. You’ll probably like what you see. 

4. Minimize idling time

This is easier said than done, but try to minimize idling time when possible. For instance, if you’re in your car and it’s parked for an extended period of time, turn it off. Idling is one of the quickest ways to waste fuel. 

5. Take a different route

Think about the different routes that you can take to your destination. Does one route allow you to avoid stop-and-go traffic? Does it allow you to drive at a more reasonable speed? 

You don’t want to drive too far out of your way, but you should consider if a particular route will help you save on gas. 

Final thoughts

No matter how much gas prices rise, there are always things you can do to save money. All five of the ideas above will work in your favor. When you combine two or more, you may be surprised at how much you save over the course of a month.

What steps are you taking to save on the rising cost of gasoline? Have you experimented with any of the tips above? Which ones worked best for you?