How to navigate Sacramento without a car + fuel-saving tips as California breaks record again
Here’s what you need to know about where to find cheap gas in the Sacramento area as gas prices in California continue to rise, how to get cashback on gas purchases, how to be fuel efficient, which cars help save on gas and how to get around without a vehicle.
How can I get around town without a vehicle?
You have a few options: bike, scooter, skateboard and skate (crawl?).
And if you don’t have any of those, there are probably several ride-share electric bikes and scooters parked within your neighborhood. These are some of the options available in the city:
But before you pay for a ride, which can cost a few dollars depending on how far you go, catch up on the City of Sacramento’s rules and regulations on ride-share electronic bikes and scooters.
You could also spend more on an Uber, Lyft or taxi (but we’re trying to save money here...and those all need gas, too). If you don’t love any of those ideas Sacramento public transit is always an option, just remember to wear a mask while riding.
Ride schedules and fares for buses, the light rail and more on the Sacramento Regional Transit website.
And when in doubt, walk it out.
Where is the cheapest gas in Sacramento?
Here are the top gas stations offering the cheapest regular fuel prices in the Sacramento area as of the afternoon of March 8, according to fuel-saving website GasBuddy:
- Exxon, 9797 Dillard Rd., Walton: $4.29
- Mobil, 3500 Watt Ave., Sacramento: $4.49
Safeway, 4040 Manzanita Ave., Carmichael, $4.62
Shell, 7969 Watt Ave., Antelope: $4.62
ARCO, 5751 Hillsdale Blvd, Sacramento: $4.75
ARCO, 8100 Gerber Rd, Sacramento: $4.77
Valero, 2600 Rio Linda Blvd, Sacramento: $4.79
ARCO, 5440 San Juan Ave., Citrus Heights: $4.81
ARCO, 300 El Camino Ave., Sacramento: $4.85
ARCO, 1855 Watt Ave., Sacramento: $4.85
Costco, 7981 E Stockton Blvd, Sacramento: $4.87
Are there any cashback gas programs?
Whether you earn 25 cents or 5 cents per gallon, that’s a deal. Here are several gas rewards programs offering cashback on gas purchases:
- Receipt Hog
- GetUpside
- Checkout 51: Cash Back Savings
- Fuel Network Rewards
- Fuel Rewards Program
- SmartPay Rewards
- Exxon Mobil Rewards
- BPme: BP & Amoco Gas Rewards
- Sunoco
How can I be more fuel-efficient?
Burning gas is inevitable, but the speed in which you burn it can be decreased. Here are test proven tips to help you save money on gas, according to Consumer Reports experts:
STAY AT HALF A TANK
Keep your gas tank at least halfway full at all times to give yourself more flexibility when and where you fill up.
OBEY SPEED LIMITS
Follow the speed limit and drive smoothly because research shows a reduction in speed improved fuel economy. Another way to look at it: Speeding up from 55 to 75 mph is like “moving from a compact car to a large SUV,” according to Consumer Reports.
DRIVE EVENLY
Avoid hard acceleration and braking and once up to your desired speed, maintain a steady pace.
REMOVE ROOF RACKS
Remove roof racks when they’re not being used because more than 50% of engine power is used battling aerodynamic drag. You also lose gas when driving with an empty roof rack.
SKIP THE PREMIUM GAS
Save money and skip premium gas unless it’s required for your vehicle.
CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE
Tires with low pressure can not only affect tires’ longevity, but it also wastes gas.
Which cars help save on gas?
Are you in the market for a new car? Maybe one that’s less of a gas guzzler? According to a 2021 Consumer Reports car study, these hybrid vehicles are the most fuel efficient:
- 2022 Honda Insight
- 2022 Toyato Pruis
- 2022 Hyundai Ioniq
- 2022 Hyundai Elantra
- 2022 Toyota Corolla
- 2022 Honda Accord
- 2022 Toyota Camry
- 2022 Hyundai Sonata
- 2022 Kia Niro
- 2022 Toyota Avalon
Check your county
The data used in this interactive map, was collected from AAA. Here are the regular gas prices per gallon in California by county, which differ from the metro areas listed below. See where you land:
This story was originally published February 25, 2022 at 1:43 PM.