Basking Ridge Gas Surpasses $4: Cheapest Pumps And Tricks To Save

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A lot can change in a week. The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Basking Ridge shot from $3.93 to $4.45 in that span, according to AAA. But in the midst of rising prices at the pump, there are several ways to save.

The volatility of the oil trade has increased prices at the pump throughout. But data from AAA, which monitors Somerset County prices, shows how much it's changed in the county:

Of course, the best way to save on gas is simply to avoid getting behind the wheel — bike, take other means of transit or carpool. Some may even suggest buying a more efficient vehicle. While those aren't bad suggestions, they're not always an option for many people. So here are some other ways to save if you need to drive:

1. Search for the cheapest stations near you.

Drivers can save by using apps and websites to find the cheapest gas near them, including GasBuddy and Waze. Here are the cheapest options for a regular gallon of gas as of Thursday morning in the Basking Ridge area, according to GasBuddy:

• K Fuel (144 Route 206 South, Hillsborough): $4.15
• Delta (40 E Somerset St., Bridgewater): $4.19
• BP (1240 Route 22, Bridgewater): $4.21
• Valero (1068 Route 22 East, Bridgewater): $4.21
• Sunoco (1062 Route 22 East, Somerville): $4.27
• 76 (280 Route 202/206 North, Somerville): $4.27
• Quick Chek (119 Route 202, Raritan): $4.29
• Lukoil (914 Route 22 East, Somerville): $4.35
• Shell (601 1st Ave., Raritan):$4.39
• Lukoil (1039 Valley Rd., Stirling): $4.39
• BP (900 Somerset St., Watchung): $4.53
• Exxon (5 Poplar Dr., Stirling): $4.59
• Sunoco (15 Stirling Rd., Watchung): $4.64
• Valero (134 Route 202 South, Bernardsville): $4.89
• Exxon (135 Route 202 North, Bernardsville): $4.99
• Exxon (95 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville): $5.39

Look for the cheapest gas stations along any routes you normally drive, The Penny Hoarder suggests. And don't wait until your tank is near empty, when you'll need to fill up wherever's closest.

2. Schedule your fill-up.

The day of the week you get gas could make a major difference, but the precise day is up for debate.

Wednesday is typically the best day to fill up for less, as prices tend to rise on Thursdays before weekend travel, automotive expert Lauren Fix told GEICO.

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis analyzed gas prices in its metro area from October 2015 to March 2016. The study found prices were lowest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and highest on Fridays and Saturdays. Tuesday's gas was 8 cents per gallon cheaper than Friday's.

A 2019 GasBuddy analysis found Mondays and Tuesdays were the best days to save. Any way you slice it, getting gas earlier in the week seems to yield better results than saving fill-ups for the weekends.

3. Pay with cash.

While gas prices may be outside of your control, you can still carry cash. Some stations charge less for cash, because they save on credit-card fees.

4. Join a rewards program.

Many gas station chains offer fuel-rewards programs. So do some grocery stores — buy groceries, then redeem for gas. GEICO also suggests checking gift-card resale sites. You may, for example, find a gas card worth $100 for $90.

5. Don't top it off.

Stop pumping when you hear the first click, GEICO suggests. In the case of people in New Jersey, where self-service isn't available (yet), make sure your attendant follows this rule.

Read more: NJ Self-Serve Gas Bill Is About Choice, Assemblymember Says

Those extra squeezes are likely to splash out or evaporate, according to the insurance company. Screwing the gas cap back until it clicks ensures fuel won't escape as fumes.

6. Follow the 10-second rule.

Don't idle. Idling drains your tank by a quarter- to a half-gallon per hour, whereas restarting only takes 10 seconds' worth of gas, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Even in the winter, there's little need to spend time "warming up" the engine before driving, according to GEICO. Most manufacturers recommend driving off gently after 30 seconds, the company says.

Do you have any other tips and tricks for saving on gas? Comment below.

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