If you are buying a new or a pre-owned car for the first time, it is important to know how to save on fuel costs without compromising on maintenance and mileage. By considering factors like the average mileage of the vehicle, monthly and annual fuel costs, and the cost of oil changes and other services, you can make an informed decision. Further, you should know the type of fuel your vehicle needs.

Common types of fuel
At a gas station, you may have noticed many types and grades of fuel, and it is important to know which one to use for your car. Every car runs on a specific fuel based on the type of engine. If you use a different fuel than the one recommended by the manufacturer, over time, it can lead to engine problems and costly repairs. Here are seven types of fuels used in the country:

Gasoline: This is the most commonly used fuel, which is obtained by refining crude oil.

Diesel: A more efficient and less polluting fuel, diesel is obtained by refining crude oil.

Ethanol: This is a fuel made from plants like sugarcane, corn, switchgrass, cactus, or natural gas.

Methanol: Another plant-based fuel, methanol is less expensive but more toxic than ethanol.

Natural gas: Mainly composed of methane, natural gas is obtained while drilling oil and then compressed as CNG and used to power engines.

Hydrogen: This is a safer option, but converting hydrogen into fuel can be expensive. It is used in a few high-end cars.

Biodiesel: A vegetable oil used as fuel after removing glycerol, biodiesel is an option for heavy-duty and commercial trucks.

Once you know about the fuel your car needs, you look up gas stations nearby so that you do not have to travel too far to get a refill. Gas stations may not sell all types of fuels. If you have a car that runs on ethanol and you do not have a gas station selling ethanol near you, it could be a hassle traveling just for fuel. It is also important to look up offers and discounts and see if your local gas station accepts gas coupons. Further, gas cards can help you save some money on fuel.

Deals on gas
Fuel and gas companies, auto service companies, and certain websites offer coupons using which you can get deals on refills or free or discounted services like free tire pressure checks or oil change services. Some supermarkets also allow you to use your accumulated points on a gas rewards card to get discounts on your next refill. You can use such coupons to save a few dollars on common services like an oil change and tire rotation.

Top companies
You can find hundreds of oil and gas companies in the country. The top companies are known for their reliability, prices, customer service, and fuel quality. These companies may produce and sell one or more types of fuel. Based on these parameters, the best fuel and gas companies in the country are ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, EOG Resources, Occidental Petroleum, and Schlumberger.