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I get a big discount on gasoline every time I fill up and you can too. I've found I save as much as 18 cents a gallon. How is this possible? The cost of gas varies a lot just about everywhere in the USA. This is often caused by an oil company pricing system called "zone pricing." For example, busy intersections with competition will generally have lower prices yet stations near an interstate highway will often have much higher prices. But if you keep your eyes open, you can use this difference to your advantage.
Take this example. The other day when I drove a straight five mile stretch of road from one end of town to the other, I saw clearly posted signs for gas at $2.86 a gallon to $2.68 or a difference of 18 cents. This kind of price fluctuation happens in every town, city and rural area all over the country. With the following simple tips you can always find the lowest price without going to any trouble.
* Everyday when you drive your normal route, notice all posted gas station prices. Do not go out of your way, since that will just burn up more gas and take time! However, pay attention from one end of your route to another. If you can clearly see a sign down a block, keep an eye on it as well.
* With gas prices changing so often these days, don't assume a station that normally has the lowest price will always be rock bottom. In addition prices are often seasonal. For example, where I live one gas station usually has the lowest price in the winter, but is more expensive in the summer.
* Prices often change when the delivery truck arrives, so stations that have not gotten their delivery may still have the old price and ones that just got a delivery may have the newest price. When the cost of gas is falling, look for a station that has the latest and lowest price. When gas prices are rising, look for a business that is still selling at the older price.
* When you travel, be aware that the cost of gas can be a lot more or less at your destination and along the way. Call friends in those areas or people you know who drive that route and ask about prices.
As long as I have been paying attention to zone pricing, I am still surprised. For example, in Greenville, North Carolina, I noticed two gas stations selling the same brand and that were almost within sight of each other. The price difference was 10 cents. Why? The more expensive gas was on a bypass, the less expensive was tucked away two blocks into town.
Depending on the mileage your car gets and the amount of driving you do, you could save as much as $200 a year. Calculating a rough average, I would guesstimate that most people would save about $100 per car per year. This means that a family with three cars, might save $300. Not too shabby!
About The Author: Richard Doble, M.A. is editor of Savvy-Discounts.com, a ten year old frugal living web site. Information from his Internet site has appeared in Reader's Digest, Woman's Day (6 times) and ABC-TV's TheView. He was interviewed on the MSNBC cable channel. His simple, down-to-earth strategies can save thousands of dollars every year. His tips cover finding discounts for groceries, telephone costs, clothing, automobile expenses, utilities and travel. He is author of the book, Savvy Discounts, published by a division of Penguin Books. Read his article about 18 more ways to save on gas. Find more money saving tips at www.savvy-discounts.com
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