Summer’s the time for road trip fun, and according to AAA, in June gas was roughly 16 cents higher than the year before. Costs aren’t expected to change much – but to stay between $3.55 and $3.70 per gallon, throughout the summer. If you use the following 5 tips you can minimize your pump pain:

1. Hit The Highway Before You Hit The Road

Research gas prices on the info superhighway – GasBuddy.com will help you find the lowest gas prices in San Diego. You can search by zip code to expose the lowest local gas prices posted by other users. If you have a smartphone download the GasBuddy app to find the best prices on the go. Sometimes prices change on the fly so online prices may differ from what you find at the station – chck the price on the sign first.

2. Use The Quarter Tank Rule

Don’t wait until your gas gauge drops near the “E” to refill. Pay attention and give yourself some time to locate and get to the station with the lowest price. Planning ahead can also help you schedule some savings. The best time of day to refuel is before dawn or late at night; stations usually raise prices during the day, especially for rush hour. The best day of the week to score cheap gas varies, but the best deals tend to be later in the week or over the weekend.

3. Improve Your Habits & Mileage

Alright, Mario…your high speeds, quick starts and squealing stops burn more gas—and money.  Take it easy and improve fuel economy by up to 37%, according to Edmunds.com. For highways consider using your cruise control more often to keep your speed in check. And practice looking farther down the road to anticipate traffic. Light turning red? Ease off the gas well ahead of your stop. If you drive a manual like me this works especially well. 🙂

According to fueleconomy.gov, idling can drain your tank by a quarter- to a half-gallon of fuel per hour, depending on the size of your engine and use of air conditioning. On the other hand, restarting your car will only sip up a few seconds’ worth of gas, so you’re better off powering down when you’re parked or sitting in excessive traffic. Also consider a GPS to provide the fastest, most efficient route to your destination, which can save you money. Just be sure to set the address before you drive, set your phone to speaker and set it down so you don’t get pulled over for using your phone while driving.

4. Maintain Maintain Maintain

Proper vehicle maintenance saves money on your car and in your wallet. The right tire pressure is also very important for good fuel economy. Every pound-per-square-inch under the manufacturer’s recommendation for all four tires lowers your gas mileage by 0.3%. You also want to keep your car on the right diet. If it’s not recommended in your owner’s manual, don’t waste your money on premium gas, which can cost 15 to 20 cents per gallon more than regular. And try to keep the pounds off your car. Large loads affect cars just as they do to mules or horses: They weigh the vehicle down and make it harder to speed up. In fact, your fuel economy may be reduced by up to 2% per 100 packed-on pounds. Smaller cars are especially put upon by excess cargo.

5. Use Your Rewards

Are you using your Von’s rewards?  Are you carrying the right credit card to earn you rebates on gas purchases? Some cards will get you 5% cash back when you purchase gas. Shopping at Costco can get you gas discounts, too.

Hopefully these tips help you save this summer and well after!