It’s official – temperatures are soaring and Canadians are in the summer frame of mind. That means dusting off the shorts, hitting the patios for after work refreshment and – best of all – cashing in on that vacay time. But digging out the map and hitting the open road sure isn’t cheap.
Whether you’re headed to the cottage or stuck in gridlock, there’s really no way to avoid spending at the pumps this season – but there are ways to take the pain out of filling up…
Looking to score some mileage possibilities a heck of a lot sooner? At RateSupermarket.ca we are currently offering a FREE $75 Gas Card Promotion upon approval of two great credit cards on our site. PLUS by applying you’ll be entered to win free gas for a year a $2,500 value. What could be sweeter than an instant fill up? Learn More >
Stay in Power at the Pump
Your credit card can help you. The best credit cards will reward you with gas points every time you swipe. The big favourite I’ve noticed this season is the MBNA Smart Cash Credit Card from MBNA. You’ll be racking up 5 per cent cash back on your gas and grocery purchases during your first six months of use, and 3 per cent after that. The credit card will also shoot 1 per cent cash back your way on all other types of purchases. Seeing as we witnessed record gas prices last summer (a whopping 29 per cent higher!), that 5 per cent has the ability to go a looong way.
Ease Up There
Yes, it may be tempting to keep your tent stashed in the trunk for impromptu camping getaways, but did you know that extra weight on the car equals to more mileage? Stay streamlined and your gas bill will too.
Be Effortlessly Efficient
Just as in winter, it’s crucial to keep your car tuned up in the summer, and your tires fresh. Keep an eye out for things like broken oxygen sensors, old spark plugs and poor wheel alignment – this can all impact efficiency and drive up your costs.
Stay Frosty
You’re aware that cranking the AC is sapping your fuel tank – but restraining from its lovely refrigerating benefits on the highway won’t necessarily save you money. Believe it – leaving windows open on the freeway creates considerable drag on your car – affecting mileage as much as 10 per cent!
The bottom line? Utilizing your credit cards for free gas can mean a lot of trips to the cottage and back – not to mention the cross-country possibilities. So take advantage of those rewards offers and find the best credit card to suit your needs. Now you just need to ask for that time off…
Thanks for the reminder, I always forget about the weight having an impact on our gas mileage.