April 30th, 2026

Gas prices in California have a volatile reputation, and with good reason given the latest price spikes. With regular unleaded averaging above $5.75 a gallon in the state and some areas pushing well above $6 per gallon, drivers are feeling it every time they pull up to the pump.

The good news is there are real, practical things drivers can do right now to spend less — without buying a new car or waiting on legislation .

1. Switch to E85 if you drive a flex fuel vehicle

This is the biggest and most immediate savings available to more than a million California drivers already.A quick explanation of what E85 actually is: E85 is a high-octane fuel made from renewable ethanol and gasoline. It’s widely available across California and consistently priced $1.50 to $2.00 less per gallon than gasoline. That price difference isn’t a one-off — it’s been consistent. And over time, it adds up to real money.

If your vehicle has a yellow gas cap, a flex fuel badge, or the words “FFV” anywhere on the car, you can run E85 today without any modifications. For a consumer filling up once a week, that translates to hundreds of dollars in annual savings. 

More than 600 E85 stations are already operating across California, including over 450 supported by Pearson Fuels. If you’re not sure whether your vehicle qualifies, check the inside of your fuel door or visit the Pearson Fuels App to ensure compatibility. 

Not a flex fuel driver yet? Good news may be on the way. AB 2046 is currently advancing through the California legislature, and would allow drivers to legally install EPA approved E85 conversion kits on standard gasoline vehicles — the same technology already legal in all 49 other states.

2. Use a fuel price app to find the cheapest gas near you

California gas prices can vary by more than $1.00 per gallon within just a few miles. The station you’ve always stopped at out of habit may not be the best deal on your route.

Apps like GasBuddy let you compare prices in real time across stations near you. The Pearson Fuels App goes a step further for E85 drivers. Our app shows real-time E85 prices, locates the nearest flex fuel stations, and flags limited time promotions. 

Taking 30 seconds to check before you fill up is one of the easiest habits you can build, and it costs nothing.

3. Change how you drive

Not only is this tip free, it also doesn’t require a single stop at a gas station. Simply changing your driving habits has the ability to make a meaningful difference in how often you need to fill up.

Aggressive driving — hard acceleration and sporadic braking — can reduce your fuel efficiency by up to 30%. 

A few habits worth building:

• Accelerate gradually from stops instead of flooring it
• Coast toward red lights instead of braking hard at the last second
• Use cruise control on the freeway to maintain a consistent speed

4. Keep your tires properly inflated

This is one of the most overlooked tips and one of the easiest to act on.

Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder to move the vehicle. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that for every 1 PSI drop in tire pressure across all four tires, fuel economy decreases by about 0.2%. That may sound small, but most drivers are running significantly underinflated without knowing it.

Check your tire pressure monthly. The correct PSI for your vehicle is printed on a sticker inside the driver’s side door — not on the tire itself. Most gas stations have air pumps available, and many are free.

Five minutes. No cost. Better mileage every time you drive.

5. Follow your stations and watch for promotions

California gas prices change quickly. The drivers who catch the dips are usually the ones paying attention.

Following fuel stations on social media or through an app means you hear about price drops and promotions before they end. Pearson Fuels runs limited time E85 promotions at locations across the state. 

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re switching to E85, downloading a price comparison app, or just checking your tire pressure this weekend — every one of these steps puts money back in your pocket.

For E85 drivers, the Pearson Fuels App is the easiest place to start. Find stations, compare prices, and never miss a promotion.

Download the Pearson Fuels App —