Apps can help you save big at the gas pump

Gas prices are at an 11 year low this Labor Day, which is good news for the 30 million Americans coming back from the long holiday weekend. But there are also ways to save even more.

Between three busy kids, dad's 5 a.m. wake-up call to avoid California traffic and spur of the moment road trips, the Ollenbergers spend a hefty chunk of their time and money in the car.

"Our family really does love to travel. We spend anywhere from about probably $650 to $800 a month on gas. There's a lot of other really great things we could be putting that money towards," said mom, Sarah.

Transportation expert Dave Skaien from AAA offers some secret shortcuts to save them big bucks at the pump.

Skaien's first tip is to optimize your driving habits with gadgets like Automatic, an app and plug-in adapter.

Automatic can be connected via Bluetooth to your smartphone. It tracks your driving technique and chirps when you brake too hard or accelerate too fast - burning fuel and money.

It even logs how much you spend every time you drive so you can better budget.

"It's costing me $15 dollars a day to take my kids to school and then pick 'em up later," said Sarah.

Automatic estimates their device can save you as much as a whopping 30% on fuel costs.

Skaien's second tip is to battle traffic with apps like Waze or Google Maps.

These apps tell you just how fast or slow traffic is moving so you can avoid the jam.

And while you're at it, try not to idle in general. Just 10 minutes can cost as much as driving 5 miles.

Tip number three is to pay cash. Some stations charge less - sometimes as much as 20 cents less a gallon - if you skip the credit card.

You can use the GasBuddy app to find the cheapest cast stations near you.

One final tip for all out there who love driving with the windows down, it's actually costing you more than using your air conditioner.

The added wind created greater drag on the car and you use more gas trying to combat that drag.

Armed wtih these tips, Skaien found that the Ollenbergers could save as much as $3,000 per year!

That's more money in their pocket for more adventures with their kids.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Automatic: https://www.automatic.com/

Waze: https://www.waze.com/

GoogleMaps: http://www.google.com/maps/about/

GasBuddy: http://www.gasbuddy.com/App