Find Lowest Gas Prices Near You
I've mentioned GasBuddy before, as a way to find the lowest price for gas in your own neighborhood.
Recently, I decided to take a closer look at GasBuddy and see what it's REALLY all about, and how they get their data.
Turns out, it's people like you & me who are simply inputting gas prices into the GasBuddy website.
The motivation?... Points!
The prizes?... Various raffle items (like $150 in free fuel!), peer recognition, and good karma.
Interesting.
How To Play Along...
Say you happen to pass anywhere from 1 to 5 gas stations each day (like on your way to/from work), and you take the time to enter those prices on the GasBuddy website each day (or every other day, once a week, whatever... it takes less than 1 minute), then you can actually build up some pretty serious points.
In fact, you can earn GasBuddy points in a variety of ways:
...Plus, you get 100 points just for signing up!
The Goal Of GasBuddy
It's all about building community AND maintaining a database of low-priced gasoline across the U.S.
From the GasBuddy site:
"As a member, you can help everyone find low priced gas prices. Next time you're out, make a note of the gas prices that you pass on your daily route and post them to the web site for everyone to see. By posting both the low and the high prices you see, consumers everywhere can visit [GasBuddy] to learn which stations to buy gas from and which stations to avoid."
Personally, I enjoy the Message Forums at GasBuddy. (After you choose your state, then your city, you'll see a Message Forum filled with people from YOUR area chatting about gas mileage, fuel economy, and gas prices.)
There's no better way to get rapid responses from dozens of people in a matter of MINUTES! It's especially helpful when I have a question like, "What's the difference between Sam's Club gas and regular gas station gas?" or "What things affect your gas mileage the most?"
Helpful Stats & Facts About Gas
One of the coolest things about GasBuddy is how it is used to generate accurate and meaningful trends and statistics regarding drivers and their use of gasoline, as well as drivers' perceptions of various gas-related issues.
In fact, it's such a helpful tool, that the Department of Energy has chosen to use data obtained by GasBuddy to show various trends, stats, and usage by state. (For a quick glance, check out these Average Retail Gasoline Prices Around the County.)
What I Learned Today:
Even if you don't want to "play along" and enter the gas prices that you spot around town, you'll surely appreciate the GasBuddy site for FINDING the lowest gas prices in your town.
Check it out... you'll be surprised!
Part I: Find Your "True" Gas Mileage
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