Becoming an Uber driver has incredible benefits that go along with the job. You can work on your preferred schedule, your job is rarely boring, and the potential for a decent income is there.
The downside? If you’re busy, you’ll fill your tank up frequently.
Whether you’re a rideshare or an Uber Eats driver, the key to optimizing your money is to pay attention to the hacks other drivers have mastered, like those in this article by Selfgood. Ways to save on fuel is a massive concern for every Uber driver.
The last thing you want is to have a large chunk of your income go straight to gas, but unless you switch to a delivery biker, this part comes with the job description. However, there are plenty of manageable ways you can increase your fuel mileage and reduce your fuel costs, and we share them with you in this guide.
1. Download Fuel Savings Apps
If you want to save decently on your regular household groceries, you use apps designed to give you cashback, such as Ibotta or Fetch. But if you want to earn consistent rewards for buying gas, there’s an app for that, too.
Checkout 51 combines coupons and gas in one easy-to-use app. Download the program, create an account, and search for gas back offers near you. Once you claim the offer, link the purchase to your credit or debit card or upload your receipt. You’ll get cents per gallon credited to your account.
Upside works similarly to Checkout 51. It’s mostly for gas, but you can look for discounts on dining and other purchases in your area.
Don’t forget to sign up for fuel rewards at your favorite grocery store! Your regular food and beverage shopping can get you discounts on gas when you buy at their pumps.
Use one, or use them all! Since you’re buying fuel anyway, you may as well make some money back on your purchase.
2. Fill Up Early
Yes, we know that once your tank hits the “E” mark, you still technically have another 20-30 miles you can drive. When you’re an Uber driver, waiting that long can mean needing to stop on the way to make a delivery or pick up a passenger and chance running late for your order.
This hurts your wallet because you’re rushing, too. Since you can’t wait for a cheaper price, you stop at the nearest gas station, only to find a spot a couple of miles down the road with a much lower cost.
Start looking for the best rates long before you’re close to empty. Use the apps we mentioned above to find the lowest prices on fuel with the best cashback options.
3. Apply for Gas Cards
Putting fuel on a credit card might sound like a financial no-no, but when those cards are only used for gas (and paid off monthly), it’s a smart move.
Depending on the fuel card you receive, you may get cash back for every gas purchase, regardless of where it is. But other cards only reward you for shopping at their preferred gas stations.
Using your cards helps you earn loyalty or reward points that you can choose to trade in for free gas or other discounts.
4. Look for Uber Rewards Programs
When you reach a certain level as an Uber driver, you may qualify for the company’s rewards program. You’ll get access to discounted fuel prices at preferred gas stations.
Uber’s fuel rewards system is more than just for gas, though. Uber partners with GoBank to give drivers the Uber Visa Debit Card. You can use this card to get impressive discounts at retailers like Sprint, Walmart, and Jiffy Lube or cash out your rewards earnings for no fee. Use the card when you pay for your fuel and get up to 3% cash back at select gas stations.
5. Keep Your Car in Shape
No matter how new, old, or in-between your vehicle is, it’s crucial for your job that you keep it running. But maintenance and upkeep can help your fuel economy, too.
Something as innocent as low tire pressure hurts your wallet. The US Department of Energy estimates that 1 PSI drop lowers your gas mileage by .3%. Check your tire pressure regularly when you fill up, and use the gas station’s air pump if any of your tires are low.
Try to limit your AC use. You can keep the air conditioning running if you have to, but lower the fan once your car is cool enough. The harder your system works, the more fuel it burns.
Get regular oil changes, and listen to the experts if they tell you you need a new air filter. Dirty or faulty filters lower your fuel efficiency. Replacing the filter saves you about 15 cents per gallon and improves your mileage.
Conclusion
Spending money on fuel is part of the job when you’re an Uber driver, but that doesn’t mean you can’t minimize that expense. Use these tips to lower your cost at the pump and maximize your weekly profit.
