Bad Gas Pump Habits That Cost You Hundreds Each Year

These gas pump habits may seem harmless, but they're likely costing you money every time you fill up.

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gas
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Topping Off

Topping off your tank when fueling up might not seem like a big deal, but it’s one of the most common mistakes people make at the gas pump.

Over-fueling can damage your engine and reduce performance, according to GasBuddy. Plus, most gas station pumps have vapor recovery systems, which absorb any excess gas that is released once the car is filled to protect the car and environment.

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gas station fueling
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Fueling on the Wrong Day

Gas prices fluctuate depending on the day of the week. The beginning of the week typically has cheaper gas prices compared to the weekend. So if you’re starting to get low on gas, don’t wait until Friday or Saturday to fuel back up.

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gas
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Not Going to the Cheapest Station

It may be more convenient to go to the gas station nearest your house, but that doesn’t mean you’re getting the best deal. There are a wide range of gas price apps and websites to help you locate the cheapest gas in your area.

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gas prices
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Overlooking Loyalty Programs

Major gas chains like Circle K, Exxon Mobil, Shell and others offer fuel reward programs that can save you money when you fuel up. If you regularly get your gas at the same station, this might be a good option for you to consider.

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gas tank on empty
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Waiting Too Long to Fuel Up

You should never wait until your gas light comes on to refuel your car. Driving near empty leaves you at risk of being stranded. And running out of gas can damage your vehicle’s fuel pump over time.

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Buying Premium Gasoline

Premium gasoline can cost 30 percent or more than regular gasoline. That extra cost is often without any added benefit, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Drivers wasted more than $2 billion on premium gasoline in 2015, according to AAA.

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Tires
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Not Inflating Tires Properly

Inflating tires at a gas station usually costs money, but it’s still a good idea to check your tires when fueling up and adding air if needed. Driving with under-inflated tires will greatly depreciate your gas milage.

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credit cards
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Not Using a Rewards Credit Card

Many credit cards allow you to choose perks that work best for you, like cash back incentives at gas stations and grocery stores. Check what yours offer.

Alex Shoemaker
Alex Shoemaker is a Florida-based journalist and  handyman who has extensive experience in home remodeling and house flipping. He has worked for numerous print and digital publications and has won awards for writing, photography and pagination.