Finding the Cheapest Gas Stations
by: Tom Tessin

History shows that gas prices generally tend to go up over the years and with the United States not wanting to make a change on the oil situation, gas is going to be here for a while.  While we all have to suffer and purchase gas, here are some tips on how you can find the cheapest gas stations in your area or even in a foreign city that you’re not used to.

Scout the area

When it comes down to a neighborhood, the general rule of thumb is the nicer the neighborhood, the more money you’re likely going to have to pay.  If you notice in a lot of areas, some nicer cities border poorer neighborhoods.  Just because the neighborhoods are poor, doesn’t mean that they are going to be un-safe.  The reason gas prices are generally cheaper in lower income neighborhoods are because of the supply and demand with money.  If poorer people can’t afford gas, the gas stations are going to obviously lower their prices.  This is where you can come into the neighborhood and save.  Generally, you will save anywhere from ten cents and beyond per gallon.

Stay away from highways

Gas stations that are usually on the highways are generally more expensive than their gas neighbors down the street.  Whether you’re travelling near home or on the road, make sure that you just follow a road a mile or two out of your way.   99% of the time, you’re going to save at least ten cents.  If you’re driving an SUV, this can save you a ton of money.  Now, if you’re on the highway and the roads look next to being abandoned, then we wouldn’t recommend going further down the street.

Pay attention to local stations

Sit back and think of all the gas stations in your neighborhood.  Do you know which one is always the cheapest?  Chances are probably not.  Grab a notebook and pen and throw it in your car and the next time you pass a few gas stations, jot down the prices for a good couple weeks.  You’ll find that some gas stations will always be the cheapest in the area.  Now, this is hard when you’re on foreign land but if you fill up near home a lot, you can always know which gas station is going to give you the best price.

Word of mouth

This is one that many people don’t think about.  Have you ever talked with your friend or relative and they say that some gas burns quicker than others?  Well if they tell you which gas station it is, make sure that you make a mental note of it.  This is because some gas stations may alter gasoline causing you’re car to burn it quicker, which means you get less for your buck.  Now, you can’t always trust your friends or relatives but if you do decide to fill up at a station they talk about, make sure you pay attention to your meter and see if it drops down quicker than usual.