Easy Ways to Save Cash on Gas
Free Mobile Widgets and Online Resources Find Cheapest Fuel
Jul 4, 2008 Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
Remember the good old days when gasoline was a mere $2.50 a gallon? Unfortunately, those days and prices are probably long gone. As the cost of fuel continues to climb, expenses on just about everything else also escalate.
The ability to save money or make ends meat is getting more and more challenging. The following websites provide real-time resources for consumers that will help save money, save time and cut costs.
Online Gasoline Information for Consumers
MapQuest Gas Prices - Whether traveling to work or across the country, this popular website provides valuable information for consumers.
- Gas Price Calculator is an excellent tool for travelers. Input trip length, miles per gallon and cost of gas for total trip cost
- Alternative fuel information
- Shows highest and lowest gasoline prices on a USA map
Gas Buddy – This informative website includes a plethora of information for the consumer. Visitors view updated information and are also able to post gas information as well.
- Gas Buddy displays prices of gasoline in both the United States and Canada
- Shows average prices today, yesterday and one year ago
- Highlights the 10 states and provinces with the lowest gasoline prices
- Shows the 10 lowest cities across America and Canada
- Includes a national and state “Gas Temperature Map” illustrating a color-coded map based on gas prices
- Includes updated news information
Gas Price Watch – Gas Price Watch displays an easy-to-read chart displaying the highest, lowest and average price of gasoline.
- Includes live scrolling gasoline price feed
- Prices searchable by zip code, map or advanced search
- Registration is not required
- My Route, not yet available, will provide gas station information for travelers
AAA Fuel Gauge Report - The “Triple A” organization highlights the average national price of gasoline and state-by-state averages. A handy fuel cost calculator for travelers is also included on the website.
Illinois Gas SWAT – Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich implemented the State Wide Action Team to protect and provide information to consumers.
- Monitors pump accuracy, octane levels, quality and quantity of gasoline in gas stations across Illinois
- Provides tips for better gas mileage
- Provides the average price of gasoline
- Provides a toll-free number for customer complaints
Free Gasoline Widgets
Mobio Cheap Gas - Launched in 2007, Mobio offers a wonderful widget for mobile devices that is totally free. Some cell phone companies offer the same type of service but charge a monthly fee. Compatible on over 100 phones, customers enter a zip code or address for up-to-date gasoline price information. The easy-to-read widget includes:
- A map to the gas station
- The cheapest gas prices appear at the top of the listing
- Shows when the prices were last updated
- A step-by-step demo is available on the website
FuelGo – Launched in 2006, this free service is invaluable for those on the go. Users type in their zip code and send to a FuelGo email address. The lowest gasoline prices in the area will be sent to the users’ mobile device at no cost. Volunteers update the information and are updated regularly. Update: FuelGo is currently on hold but is expected to be fully functional shortly.
Apple Dashboard Gas – This colorful gasoline widget is Apple OS X compatible and is free of charge.
- Links to Google Maps
- Requires Mac OS X 10.4 and above
Before travelling, running errands or driving to work, visit the websites listed above for money-saving gasoline information for American and Canadian consumers. It is important to note that gas prices frequently fluctuate from station-to-station and day-to-day.
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