Fuel is one of the biggest expenses on any road trip, and without a plan, it can easily blow your travel budget. Fortunately, with a little preparation, you can forecast gas costs, track fuel prices, and take advantage of money-saving tools that help stretch every gallon.

Here’s how to build a gas budget that works—and save money while driving cross-country or exploring closer to home.

1. Estimate Your Total Gas Cost in Advance

The first step is calculating how much fuel you’ll need for your trip.

• Determine your vehicle’s miles per gallon (MPG). Check your car’s manual or use FuelEconomy.gov to get accurate MPG figures.
  
• Use a trip cost calculator. Plug in your start and end points along with your vehicle details using tools like the AAA Gas Cost Calculator.
  
• Factor in terrain and detours. Mountain driving, traffic, and long idles can increase fuel usage.
  

2. Track the Cheapest Gas Along Your Route

Gas prices can vary by up to $1 per gallon depending on location. Apps like GasBuddy help you compare prices at nearby stations in real time. You can also set alerts along your route to notify you of good deals.

Pro tip: Avoid filling up near major tourist spots, airports, or in remote rural areas where fuel is often pricier.

3. Earn Cashback with Smart Payment Tools

You can reduce your overall fuel spend by combining credit card rewards with cashback apps.

• Use Fluz to buy gas gift cards online or pay with a virtual card and get cashback at the pump instantly—no preloading required.
  
• Stack Fluz with gas credit cards that offer 3%–5% back for even more savings.
  

4. Build Fuel Stops Into Your Itinerary

Map out stations with consistently low prices ahead of time, especially if you’re traveling in unfamiliar areas. Apps like Waze let you plan your route and view fuel prices at stations along the way.

5. Maintain Your Car for Better MPG

Before hitting the road, check tire pressure, replace dirty air filters, and make sure your engine is running smoothly. Poor maintenance can significantly reduce fuel efficiency.

• Under-inflated tires can drop MPG by up to 3%.
  
• A clogged air filter can reduce engine performance and mileage.
  More maintenance tips from FuelEconomy.gov

6. Travel Light and Drive Efficiently

Heavy loads and aggressive driving burn more fuel. If possible:

• Remove roof racks or carriers when not in use
  
• Avoid fast acceleration and braking
  
• Use cruise control on flat highways to maintain steady speeds
  

7. Keep Extra Funds for Price Fluctuations

Gas prices may spike unexpectedly due to regional demand or supply changes. Always keep a small buffer in your budget in case prices climb while you’re on the road.

Final Thoughts

A road trip doesn’t have to come with unpredictable fuel expenses. With a mix of planning, tracking tools, and cashback strategies like Fluz, you can build a reliable gas budget and keep more money for the fun parts of travel—like food, sights, and experiences.