With the rising cost of fuel, gas stations are seeing an increase in fraudulent transactions at the pumps. Because of this, they had to take additional precautions to protect both themselves and consumers.

When you pay with your debit card using your PIN number AT THE PUMP, gas stations “block off” a certain amount of your available balance to ensure there are enough funds to cover your transaction. The amount blocked varies and can be anywhere from $1 to $100 depending on where you fill up. If you are carrying a lower balance and make any additional purchases before they put that transaction through, it could temporarily send your account into the negative. We don’t want to see that happen to our valued members.

• If you do use your debit card, pay inside where you can use your PIN number and the transaction is usually processed immediately.
• If you do use you debit card and want to pay at the pump, use credit and the hold is generally $1.
• You can use a credit card.
• Cash still works too. Some places even offer discounts when you pay with cash.

• Replace dirty air filters. A clean air filter can improve your gas efficiency by up to 10%.
• Keep your engine tuned
• Get regular oil changes and use the right motor oil. This decreases friction so your engine doesn’t have to work as hard.
• Keep tires properly inflated, rotate them regularly and check alignment

• Buy the recommended gas for your car. Don’t buy high octane gas if it isn’t necessary.
• Keep an eye out for the cheapest gas stations or find them on Gas Buddy.

• Keep your speed under 60 MPH. Your car gets better gas mileage under 60 MPH.
• Don’t slam the gas when the light turns green. There are no prizes for being the first one to the next red light.
• Remove unnecessary weight from your car. If you aren’t playing golf, put the clubs in the garage.
• Avoid using the roof rack. Improves wind resistance and lessens the weight of your vehicle.
• Use cruise control on the highway.
• Use air conditioning on the highway, not in the city. This improves resistance at higher speeds and provides better mileage in stop and go traffic. .

• Carpool. Find friends or neighbors to carpool to work with to cut down on gas consumption.
• Plan errands. You can also save time when you combine errands by taking fewer trips to get your chores done.
• Walk or bike when possible. You’ll save on gas and improve your health at the same time!