As a Dasher, you're always on the move, and fuel expenses can make up a significant part of your daily costs. That's why finding ways to save on gas can be helpful to maximize your earnings.These gas-saving tips—covering driving habits, route planning, vehicle care, and Dasher perks—can help you plan more efficiently and dash with confidence.
Gas-saving techniques for delivery drivers
Optimize your driving habits
Small adjustments to how you drive can significantly boost your fuel efficiency. You can conserve fuel by maintaining a steady speed and using cruise control on highways. Smooth accelerations and gentle braking can increase fuel efficiency by 10-40%. Avoid unnecessary idling while making your deliveries — if you're stopped for more than ten seconds – it's often better to turn off the engine. And every time you fill up, secure the gas cap to prevent fuel loss from evaporation. These small changes can add up!
Regular vehicle maintenance
Keeping up with regular vehicle maintenance is key to smooth and reliable dashing. Remember to change your motor oil as indicated in your owner’s manual and check your tire pressure on a monthly basis as these factors can impact fuel efficiency. Regular check-ups also allow you to catch potential issues early, prolonging your vehicle's overall performance.
Consider hybrid or electric cars
Hybrid or electric cars can be a wise choice if you're considering a new vehicle. While the initial cost might be higher upfront, the environmental impact and long-term savings in fuel and maintenance are considerable. Certain regions offer incentives and rebates for hybrid or electric vehicles, reducing the upfront investment. These vehicles provide great mileage, helping you keep more of your hard-earned money. And if you prefer a traditional car, a manual transmission can save you 10-15% more gas than an automatic.
Gas-saving apps and tools
Gas-saving apps can be great additions to your dashing routine. Use GasBuddy directly in the DoorDash Dasher app to help you locate the lowest gas prices in your area. When it comes to navigation, apps like Google Maps and Waze not only optimize your routes for time and distance, but they also include real-time gas price updates. You can track your mileage by using Everlance, making it that much easier to know how much gas you’re using while dashing. Even more, Everlance’s automatic GPS tracking for mileage also allows you to maximize deductions when tax season rolls around.
How to save on gas while dashing
Adjusting your driving habits and using gas-saving apps are great ways to reduce fuel costs, but here are some additional tips that can help you save on gas specifically while you're dashing.
Evaluate offers based on time: When selecting a task or delivery, consider the time it'll take rather than just the total earnings per offer. Shorter, quicker deliveries use less fuel, allowing you to complete more dashes.
Fuel up on a schedule: Aim to fill up your tank during your downtime to avoid the stress of searching for gas while you're dashing. It’s also recommended to refuel when your tank is around a quarter full. If you wait until it's nearly empty, sediment from the bottom of the tank can enter your fuel system, potentially causing damage and reducing efficiency.
Consider different offers: Other ways of earning can also help you streamline your dashes and save on gas. Batched Offers combine multiple offers in a single trip, whereas Dash Along the Way gives you the opportunity to complete an offer on the way to your intended destination. With Shop & Deliver offers, your car remains parked while you shop for offers in-store, reducing the amount of gas you're using on each dash.
Bike dashing: Switching to a bike for deliveries can be a fantastic option. It's eco-friendly, cost-effective, and can be quicker to dash in busy urban areas.
DoorDash gas and vehicle perks for Dashers
Being a Dasher comes with its own set of perks. DoorDash has several partners and programs to help you save on gas and vehicle maintenance:
Shell Fuel Rewards®: to receive 25¢ per gallon off their first fill-up and an extra 6¢ per gallon off each fill at participating locations.
DoorDash Crimson Card: The card that works for you—earn up to 3% cash back every time you fuel up.
CarAdvise app: Get discounts on auto care and maintenance services when you sign up to use at garages and shops like Jiffy Lube, Pep Boys, and Firestone.
GoodYear discount: On the market for new tires? Get 20% off and up to $100 in rebates at GoodYear.
GasBuddy: Check nearby real-time gas prices and find directions within the DoorDash Dasher app to the cheapest gas station.
Everlance: Enjoy 20% off a year of Everlance Premium for trip tracking, automatic expense tracking, deduction finding, and more. Plus, start with a 7-day free trial.
Hit the road with these fuel-saving tips
Fuel costs don't have to eat into your earnings. By implementing these gas-saving tips and taking advantage of available perks, you can optimize your deliveries and maximize your earnings without sacrificing delivery speed or efficiency. Every small change adds up, whether it's through better route planning, optimizing your driving habits, or regularly maintaining your vehicle. Keep these strategies in mind on your next dash, and enjoy more cost-effective deliveries with each mile.
Sign up to become a Dasher today.
