4 Habits Costing You at the Pump

1. Being Creatures of Habit

About 76% of respondents to our poll said they have a station they regularly go to, either because its location is convenient (25%) or because they believe it tends to have the cheapest price (62%). However, that station you think is the most affordable doesn’t always have the lowest price.

Don’t be a creature of habit because GasBuddy shows there is an average spread of 60c/gallon and prices change often. Check the Price Spread in the GasBuddy app before you pull up to the pump.

2. Running on Empty

Another money drain is waiting too long to get gas. Only 21.7% of people decide to fill up when they see a station with a good price, with most (38.1%) waiting until they only have a quarter tank left of gas, while 19% wait until the gas light comes on! (Fess up! Which one are you?)

The longer you wait the fewer options you have. Be sure you are not running on fumes and forced to pull into the closest station where you have no control over how much you pay.

3. Choosing the Easy Route

Consumers are paying for convenience and not planning ahead. Of the 40% of respondents, they choose a gas station based on location and 14% choose a station depending on ease of entrance. Sometimes paying for convenience is worth it but if this is how you operate on a regular basis, consider pre-planning your gas purchases. It could save you some dough!

4. Mistaking Your Grades

The cost difference between regular and premium gas has increased over the past year. According to the survey, 12% of the respondents said they use the more expensive mid-grade or premium fuel instead of regular. You only have to use premium if your car manual says it’s REQUIRED, otherwise you can fill up with regular gasoline.