Finding Cheap Gas - Can it be Done?

With prices at the pumps soaring sky-high, many people wish there was a way to find cheaper gas. In fact, not all gas stations were created equal - with a bit of research and forethought, you can guarantee that you pay less for gas every time you fill up. Here's how:

How to Find Cheap Gas

Gas stations are like any other business - they love to cash in on impulse buys and purchases by less than savvy consumers. How does that translate into cheap gas finding tips?
Stay away from stations that are right off the highway. These spots cater to consumers who need gas and need it fast - not to those who are willing to look around for a cheaper price per gallon. Drive a few blocks into town, and you're pretty much guaranteed to get a better deal.
Another good tip for finding cheap gas - steer clear of gas stations in affluent areas. The folks who live in these neighborhoods are less likely to pay attention to high prices, and the gas station owners know it. You can find better deals if you fill up your tank in a less well-off areas of town. In fact, any place where land prices are higher may charge higher prices at the pumps in an attempt to pass off the extra expenses to the consumer.

Look for Discounts on Cheap Gas

You can get coupons and special discounts on gas just like any other product. Check grocery store receipts, and take more than a perfunctory glance through your mail for any gas discount coupons which might be hanging around. You can also search the Internet for special coupons at your local gas stations. While they may not save you much per gallon, keeping your eyes open for savings like these can translate into hundreds of dollars saved over the course of the year.

Buy Your Gas Cheap at the Grocery Store

Some grocery, department, and wholesale stores have their very own private gas stations. The prices at these places are usually pretty impressive. They make them that way in an attempt to drag customers into the store. Although the lines can be long, it is often worth the wait when the gas is sold at cost or a little bit more. You may also receive special discount vouchers when buying gas at the grocery store, which translate into extra savings on products you would have purchased anyway.

Use a Gas Card

Some special credit cards offer rebates of five or ten percent on gas purchases. Sign up for one of these credit cards, and use it every time you buy gas. You'll find that you've saved a significant sum over time. Just be aware that if the gas card you use charges a yearly fee, you'll need to take that into account when calculating your total savings.

For Cheap Gas, Take Advantage of Technology

With so many consumers in frantic pursuit of lower gas prices, websites have started to pop up to aid people in their search. These sites usually let consumers share info about local prices at the pumps, and then return that information based on the zip code that's entered. You can also download a widget that automatically tracks the lowest gas price in your area and displays it on your computer screen.
While having this information readily available on your home computer is pretty impressive, even better are automated SMS alerts. Some services will track the cheapest gas prices in town and send the info right to your cell phone, making it even easier to find the cheapest gas on the go.
If you're willing to pay a little more for something fancy, consider purchasing a GPS that tracks the cheapest gas prices en route. One of these devices can save you lots of time and money, but don't forget the premium you'll be paying for purchasing the thing in the first place.



When all is said and done, you don't have to be a slave to the whims of a gas station owner near you. Take the bull by the horns and fight for your right to the cheapest gas in town. Follow these easy tips, and you'll be on your way to gas savings and some extra cash for the finer things in life.