How to save when refueling a car in the USA

Although gas prices are expected to increase significantly, you can still find ways to pay less.

Фото: Depositphotos

“With fuel prices reaching multi-year highs due to oil production cuts from OPEC, Russia and elsewhere, American motorists could face significantly higher gasoline prices this summer,” says Patrick DeHaan, a senior analyst at the oil company. Gasbuddy, a website and smartphone apps that help drivers find the best deals.

In some areas, motorists have already faced gas prices of $ 3 or more, and this is not the limit, at least in the short term, says DeHaan.

AAA reported today that the average price for regular-grade gasoline is $ 2,66 per gallon compared with $ 2,38 a year earlier.

In general, DeHaan predicts that in 2018, on average, motorists will pay an extra from $ 100 to $ 200 per gasoline compared to last year.

The amount you pay depends, of course, on the gas station where you fill up. And the difference can be significant, says DeHaan. For example, in Long Beach, California, the station Mobile charges $ 3,79 per gallon of gas. But there is a station nearby. United oilwhere you pay $ 3,33 for the same amount. This is the difference in 46 cents per gallon.

If you need to fill a minibus at an expensive station, you will end up paying $ 9 more than the other.

There are drivers who unnecessarily buy more expensive premium gasoline for cars intended for conventional fuels, according to an AAA study. Based on current average gasoline prices, middle-class gasoline costs almost 28 cents per gallon more than you pay for regular gasoline.

Premium gasoline costs a cent more on 53, according to AAA, but DeHaan says that in areas like Chicago, you can find premium gasoline at $ 1,20 per gallon more than usual.

How to spend less on gasoline

Use the refill app or website. Gasbuddy AAA , Fuel finder и Gas guru are among the resources that can help you find lower prices.

“You can also find the best prices at petrol stations that are not located on major highways,” says Michael Calkins, manager of AAA. "Of course, going around to pay less may not make sense."

Check prices in different states you visited. Prices can vary considerably, because the state taxes on gasoline are different. DeHaan says he found that for a driver crossing the border from Ohio to Pennsylvania along Interstate 80For example, gasoline in Pennsylvania can cost 36 cents per gallon more. If you need to fill the minibus tank, you will overpay $ 9.

Think about the best way to pay. Some refills offer a lower price if you pay in cash and not by credit card. The difference between cash and credit cards usually ranges from 10 to 15 cents per gallon, DeHaan says, although the price may differ by a dollar.

Another option is to pay by credit card. While the price of a credit card may be higher than the price when paying in cash, the reward you receive on a credit card may be the best offer.

“It is worth noting that credit card fees can provide greater savings than a gasoline credit card from a large oil company (for example, Texaco or Chevron),” says DeHaan. For example, a map Visa American Card Awards returns 3% cash when buying gas, including up to $ 2500. Credit card Sunoco Rewards Credit offers a discount of 5 cents per gallon.

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