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Bargain shopping for gasoline
is still a smart move
By Jeff
Eddington
November 21, 2008 | In the past month gas prices have
dropped dramatically, but that doesn't mean the price
every gas station is offering is the best deal.
On Nov. 21, a quick comparison found that there is
a 16- to 18-cent difference in the price of a gallon
of regular unleaded within a five-block range. So how
does one make sure they are getting the best deal on
a gallon of gasoline? Here are a six tips that will
assist in getting the best deal all the time.
1 - Shop around. Make a note of the gas stations with
the lowest prices as you are running errands, these
gas staions generally will have consistently lower prices
all the time.
2 - Fill your gas tank before you need to. Many times
consumers pay more for gas because they have no other
options. The most convenient gas stations are typically
the most expensive. If you wait until your car is on
empty your options are limited.
3 - Use membership cards. Many gas stations now have
membership cards that will save a few cents per gallon.
Some grocery stores will also offer discounts on gas
when you spend a certain amount in their store.
4 - Don't use a higher octane rating than neccesary.
Many people feel that putting premium gasoline, which
costs more, with a higher octane rating in their car
is a good practice when the opposite can be true. Many
cars are specifically designed to run on a certain octane,
deviating from the manufactuer recomendations can decrease
engine performance and lower gas mileage, not to mention
waste money at the pump. Check your automobiles owners
manual for the exact ocate rating recommended.
5 - Use websites such as UtahGasPrices.com.
On this website users submit information on the cost
of gas at local gas stations so you can shop around
before you leave your house.
6 - Make sure you perform regular maintenance. Proper
air inflation in the tires, new air filters and regular
tune ups can help squeeze extra miles out of each gallon
of gas. For more information on how to make your car
a fuel miser the U.S. Department of Energy has a Web
site of tips that will help lower your gas bill.
While gas prices are relatively cheap now it is no
time to stop being a bargain shopper, after all an 18
cent difference in the cost of 20 gallons of fuel can
equate to hundreds of dollars per year.
NW
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