I think we all know that fuel prices tend to go up in the summer. I’m not sure why, but that’s the way it’s always been … and I guess it always will be. But, can you win at the fuelpump? I think you can. Here are three things to remember:

1. Wednesday is the cheapest day to fill up. Gas prices rise on the weekends, but tend to level off at the beginning of the week. Wait until Wednesday, it’s the day that prices bottom out (if they are going too!).

2. Fill up in the morning. Gas is most dense when it’s cool. Since pumps charge you for volume and not density, it makes the most sense to fill up when your tank and the fuel pump are the coolest.

3. Make sure you are filling up with the proper fuel grade. If you don’t need premium gas, is it worth the extra cost to use it? Speak with your mechanic to see what grade they recommend for your vehicle.

4. Watch for retailers that give you a reward for filling up at their stations. If the gas is good and you can earn cash back or a discount with a retailer that you would frequent anyway, don’t feel bad “double-dipping”. It’s all part of saving money.

Remember … “there’s no cents in paying full price!”

* This post is part of a weekly segment on KSBJ Christian Radio. For more on segments featuring Stephanie Click, the Texas Money Mom, click here.