Technology and cheap gas prices go hand in hand
The price for a gallon of gas at my local Speedway station reached $4.19. Well, technically $4.20 but nobody ever really includes that 9/10 of a cent when talking about gas prices.
So what's a noobie to do about gas prices?
Well, you can start by using the Internet to look for the cheapest gas prices before you leave home to fill your tank. Here's a couple of web sites to get you started:
Or, if you are tried to a specific brand of gas, such as Speedway, go to the company's specific web site and look for a section to check gas prices in your area. The Speedway's gas price checker is on the top right of their home page.
Better yet, why not have someone tell you when gas prices are about to go up? If you live in an area with Meijer grocery stores and gas stations, check out the Meijer Gas Alert program which alerts you when gas prices are about to go up.
If you admire fancy gadgets you can try one of the higher-end Garmin or TomTom GPS navigation systems which can tell you the gas prices for all of the closest gas stations near your current location. Keep in mind, however, that some of these systems charge an annual fee to integrate gas prices into the system.
So there you have it. Technology to help you find the best gas prices. Just do me a favor and don't buy a new computer, sign up for unlimited text messaging or buy a brand new GPS navigation system just to save a nickel on a gallon of gas! You're better off riding your bike.
3 comments for this blog post so far...
June 12, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Erik Deckers
Keep in mind that cheaper gas does not always mean better gas. I have found that if I use Shell or BP gas, I get better gas mileage. When I use no-name brand or gas from the big box stores—which is sometimes $.05/gallon cheaper—my gas mileage dropped by as much as 15%. I figured out that no-name gas would have to be about $.30 cheaper per gallon to make up for the difference in lost performance.
June 12, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Patric Welch
@Erik Excellent point. I think web sites like GasBuddy are still useful though because they can help you find the Shell or BP station with the cheapest prices. I’m always amazed at how 2 same-brand gas stations within a mile or so of each other can have drastically different prices.
June 13, 2008 at 1:44 am
Chris
You posted 2 really great resources for planning. Pinching pennies is really all about not being lazy anymore. Here are some things that will help you stretch that gas you are paying out the nose for. Using these simple tips I have been able to go from 25mpg on my 2003 Saturn Vue SUV to 30-32mpg over the last few months.
1. Change your air filter.
2. Check for gas tank leaks.
3. Use the correct seasonal tires.
4. Inflate your tires properly (usually 35psi).
5. Clear out your trunk.
6. Fill up when it is cool outside.
7. Drive a light-colored car.
8. Park in the shade.
9. Don’t top off your gas - it will spill.
10. Tighten your gas cap.
11. Use correct fuel grade for your car - check the owner’s manual.
12. Limit air conditioner use.
13. Roll up windows on the freeway.
14. Avoid roof hauls.
15. Don’t idle in the morning.
16. Turn off air conditioner, radio, and other electronics when you start your car/truck.
17. Plan your route away from traffic jams and construction.
18. Go the speed limit - driving at 70mph uses 20% more gas than 55mph.
19. Drive evenly on the gas pedal.
20. Avoid sudden stops.
21. Avoid idling while driving - 1 hour of idling will burn a gallon of gas.
22. Only use the right foot on the pedals.
23. Don’t weave in and out of traffic.
24. Accelerate before you go up a hill instead of on it.
25. Check local gas stations for discount days.
26. Fill up 3 days before holidays.
27. Fill up on near empty.
28. Look for member benefits - usually offer $0.03 off per gallon or more.
29. Look for credit card discounts.
30. Use public transportation whenever possible.
SOURCES:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MlF1GJFLSI
http://www.62tipstosavegas.com
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