Price is a common factor that pops up in every area of life. In the world of cars, the cost of gas is no different. You pay more for gas in some areas and sometimes you can even find cheaper gas in some other locations. Finding the right place to fill up your tank, however, is something that can’t be accomplished simply by driving around looking for the best deal.
Keeping up with gas prices is a hassle. It’s not just that they change frequently; it’s also that the fluctuation is so great. For example, a few years ago, it would’ve been unthinkable for a car enthusiast to visit California and pay a lower price for gas than they would’ve paid in New York City. (Remember: price varies by location.)
The good news is that there are multiple locations where you can pay less for gas than you would in most places. What are speedways? They are special gas stations that are owned and operated by major car manufacturers. Most notably, General Motors and Ford own and operate locations like this one in Livonia, Michigan. (The station also has a small partnership with Chevron.)
What Is Speedways Gas Price?
Lower Than You’d Expect
Given their marketing slogan ‘Fueled By Performance’, it should come as no surprise that companies like General Motors put in a lot of effort when it comes to finding the best prices for gas. The fact that you’re familiar with their brand probably also means that you know what kind of amenities they provide. (Think about the Chevy and Ford dealerships in your area. They usually have great showrooms with lots of cars and trucks on display. Not to mention all the delicious food and drinks served in the cafe. This is all part of the GMM experience which, of course, you’ll pay less for at a GM speedway.)
It’s not just the cars. The dealerships also have coffee makers, water dispensers, and large comfortable chairs where you can sit and relax while you wait for your vehicle. (Oddly enough, these are the same types of amenities you’ll find at a luxury hotel, which is appropriate because after all, you are paying for the experience, not just the fuel.)
There are also people who visit these specific locations, usually early in the morning or late at night when there aren’t many other people around. This is when you can get the best rates, which is about 35 cents, 10 cents, or even 5 cents per gallon cheaper than you’d expect at a regular gas station.
A Place To Get A Better Deal
Nowadays, getting a good deal on gas is not as difficult as it used to be. The advent of the internet has changed everything. In addition to allowing consumers to find the best prices for whatever they’re looking for, the web also provides a platform for sellers to engage with potential buyers. (Think about all the different online marketplaces, such as Amazon and eBay.)
Consumers can benefit from online marketplaces in more ways than one. Not only can they get the best price, but they can also read reviews and find out what other customers think about the product or service. In some cases, they even get a bonus for finding a good deal! (Win-win-win!)
If you’ve ever shopped on Airbnb, then you know how easy it is to find reviews and what other customers think about the host’s hospitality and the accommodation itself. In addition to reviews, you can read reports about the place you’re considering staying at. (As an Airbnb host, I’ve given a lot of thought to how I can make my guests’ stays as pleasant as possible. (The key to a great experience is to make sure your apartment is clean, and stocked with all the necessary amenities.) One thing I do is check out reviews of my guests before they arrive. This way, I can address any issues before they become problems. (I’ve had good reviews and bad reviews, but I try not to focus on the negative because there’s always some good in everyone.) Sometimes, bad reviews are a good indication that I need to improve certain areas of my service, and also that some guests were not aware of how things work in Canada. (I’ve noticed that some guests were a little nervous about lodging in a Canadian apartment.)
Getting a good deal on gas can be as simple as visiting a specialized station in your area. However, it can also be a lot more complicated. You have to consider a number of different factors to determine where and when you’ll get the best price. These include, but are not limited to:
- What type of fuel do you want
- When do you want to fill up
- How much do you want to spend
- Where do you want to go
- What time of day do you want to fill up (diesel prices vary depending on the time of day)
- Do you want a bargain or a regular price (regular gas stations will usually have a sign saying ‘Bargain Tank’ to indicate that you’re getting a great deal, and sometimes you have to ask for it)
- What vehicle do you have (make, model, year)
- What extras do you want (such as an umbrella, halo light, or even an entire sound system to enjoy your favorite rock band)
- How important is speed (high fuel efficiency vehicles get you there faster than slow cars, but it depends on your destination)
- Do you want a warranty or are you happy to pay for any repairs (most gas stations offer some type of warranty coverage on their products but it varies by location)
- Do you want to fill up at the station or do you want to go somewhere else (for example, your local supermarket could have cheaper prices but the risk of getting inferior fuel is higher there)
- What is the traffic like in your area (traffic could vary significantly by location)
- What time of day do you usually travel (diesel prices can change depending on the time of day)
The location of your favorite gas station becomes irrelevant when you consider all of these other factors. You should never just go to any gas station and get in your car. You need to do some research to find the best place for your needs. It would be best to find a station that has all of the amenities you need and also one that has the best price. (Sometimes, it’s worth paying a bit more for gas in a well-known area because there are a lot of cars there and the chances of getting stuck in traffic are higher.)
In short, finding the right gas station can be a hassle, but it’s also worth it. You will save money and you will get a good deal. Of course, you can always ask for a discount at a regular gas station, but the chances of getting a great price are much higher at a specialized gas station.