As summer vacation approaches, many families are gearing up for road trips, which often means frequent stops for gas. With the rising concern regarding credit card fraud at gas stations, it’s important to know how to find affordable and reliable fueling options. We spoke to an expert on the best ways to locate low-priced gas stations along your route.
“Gas prices are no longer as staggering as they were a couple of years ago,” the expert noted. “However, it’s still crucial to quickly check for cheaper stations while on a long drive. Several mobile apps can help with this.”
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average gas price across the country is currently $3.44 per gallon, a significant drop from the average of $5.01 two years ago. Nonetheless, prices can vary widely from one station to another.
Here are ten free apps that can assist you in finding the best gas prices:
1. **GasBuddy**: Launched in 2000, GasBuddy is perhaps the most well-known gas app. It relies on user-reported prices and data from stations to provide accurate information. In addition, GasBuddy offers a financial card program called “Pay with GasBuddy,” allowing users to link their bank accounts to earn GasBack points for gas purchases. Users can save up to 25 cents per gallon, but registration requires personal information.
2. **Gas Guru**: This app displays gas prices in your area, enabling you to select stations based on price, fuel grade, and distance. Data comes from the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), and it also suggests nearby retail stores.
3. **Waze**: Founded in 2008, Waze guides users to nearby gas stations based on community data. The app offers price comparisons and supports contactless payments at partner stations like ExxonMobil and Shell, allowing users to pay directly from their phones upon arrival.
4. **AAA TripTik Travel Planner**: While AAA membership is required for roadside assistance, the TripTik app is free for everyone. It displays gas stations and prices, making it easier to plan your road trip with access to over 85,000 stations nationwide.
5. **MapQuest**: Known for navigation, MapQuest can also search for gas stations along your route, check prices, and identify the cheapest options. Additionally, it provides traffic updates and restaurant reservations.
6. **Upside**: Formerly known as GetUpside, this app offers cash back on gas purchases. Users can earn money by shopping at partnered retailers, but they must capture receipts through the app. The service previously offered up to 25 cents off per gallon.
7. **Fuelio**: This app helps users find cheap gas while tracking fuel consumption. It also includes a trip log for managing expenses like repairs, tolls, and parking fees.
8. **BPme Rewards**: Frequent BP customers can save 5 cents per gallon by using the BPme Rewards app, which has removed previous minimum spend requirements.
9. **Shell Fuel Rewards**: This app provides 5 cents off per gallon at Shell stations. After a minimum of 12 fill-ups with at least 10 gallons each, users can upgrade to a higher tier for increased savings.
10. **Speedy Rewards**: Speedway locations offer points for gas purchases and other items. Users earn points for each gallon of gas and can redeem them for discounts on fuel or snacks.
Additionally, here are a few more tips for saving on gas:
– **Keep Tires Properly Inflated**: Each tire has a specific PSI rating. Make sure they are inflated to this level, as under-inflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency. According to the Department of Energy, every PSI drop in pressure can decrease fuel mileage by about 0.2%.
– **Limit Air Conditioning Use**: Running the AC at full blast can significantly drain energy and fuel.
– **Consider Fuel-Efficient Vehicles**: When purchasing your next car, look into fuel-efficient models or consider switching to an electric vehicle, which completely eliminates concerns about gas prices.
