To most people, the United States of America will be a place they have seen on the news or in films. For those who have visited the country or traveled there for work, they may have also heard of the large number of drive-through lanes in the states, especially in the west. A drive-through is where you can pull up to the counter and order food without having to exit the car. This type of convenience has made its way over to Canada, and now many gas stations have adopted this practice as well. But should you expect to pay the same as you would in the UK or Germany? Let’s take a look at the costs involved with fueling up in American-style drive-throughs compared to other global markets.
How Much Do They Cost?
One of the first things you will notice when you visit a gas station in the US is how expensive it is. This is largely because the country is very dependent on oil and gas for energy, which also makes it hard to find fuel when you need it. Aside from higher prices, you will also see many restrictions when it comes to what vehicles can pump at what price. For example, if you are in Hawaii, you cannot fill your tank with regular gasoline, only with ‘Hawaiian’ gasoline, which is more expensive. The same goes for California, where they have made a specialty of the fuel and cars that can run on it. So if you are in either of those states, you will have to pay more for your tankful. You will also find that the minimum pump price is usually much higher in the US than in other countries, which means that at times, you will have to spend more just to keep your tank full.
Are They Anywhere Near UK/German Standards?
When traveling abroad it is always nice to find a gas station that is clean, well-maintained, and has friendly service. When you are in America, though, that is a luxury you can rarely afford. When it comes to the size of the pumps and the amount of gas you can purchase, you will often find that the stations are much larger than those in other countries. If the pumps are a bit clunky, or if you have to wait a while for someone to help you, it’s still not bad. After all, this is a place where you can get the work done faster and more efficiently than you could back home. You work hard, you save money, and you don’t waste any time.
Where Do They Sell Premium And Diesel?
In the grand scheme of things, premium gas is expensive anywhere in the world. The reason behind this is simple – demand for it is high and there are only a few places where it is produced. When it comes to diesel, on the other hand, you will find that the costs are a bit more flexible. There are many places that produce this type of fuel, which allows the retailers to set their own prices. Since there is more than one plant that produces the popular fuel, you will see many variations in terms of cost. The good news is that in most parts of the country, diesel is less expensive than premium gas at the moment. If you are planning on traveling in the US during the off-peak periods, you will save a fortune. Still, if you have a luxury vehicle, you may want to consider looking into buying diesel rather than premium gas, especially if your car is more expensive than most others on the road. It’s up to you how you want to pay for gas, but the information below may help.
Can You Get Gas For Free?
The short answer to this is no. While you may be tempted to fill up your tank without paying for it, when you do you will be subject to a hefty charge. This is especially true if you are in a state with a high minimum price for gas. For instance, in Pennsylvania, you will have to pay $4.91 per gallon, plus a deposit of $0.10 per gallon, or 14.91 percent sales tax for the first $75,000 of property value. These are some of the reasons why it is usually more expensive to fuel up in America.
Conclusion
The costs associated with fueling up in the US vary widely from area to area and whether you choose premium gas or diesel, you will be looking at a significant additional expense. Still, there are a few parts of the country where diesel is a great deal more affordable, so if you can find a sweet spot and you have a luxury vehicle, you may want to consider opting for this type of fuel. Otherwise, you may want to look into budgeting and finding ways to save a few dollars wherever you can.