Gas App Will Keep Your Summer Bloat at Bay

The pain at the pump seems to finally be letting up—instead of rising, as they have been over the past three summers, gas prices are actually dropping! Gas prices fell during Memorial Day Weekend and many expect them to decrease even further. While this is great for both travelers and commuters, who once dreaded the trip to the gas station, the situation still isn’t perfect.

Consumers feel like they are getting a better deal than they actually are simply because gas prices hit an all year high in April and are now on the decline. Prices may also surprise us and increase later in the season—oil analysts often say that the middle of the summer is a “wild-card” for gas prices. Finally, while national averages may follow a pattern, gas prices can vary hugely from state-to-state on a situational basis. For example, many western states witnessed large increases to their price per gallon largely due to a fire at an oil refinery nearby.

With all of these fluctuations, it is important to stay up-to-date with changes in gas prices and trends. Important updates will always be reported on the news, in newspapers and in online new sources, but can’t do much to help you find the best deal when you are on the road. Thanks to the click of a button, with the “GasBuddy App” on your smart phone you will be able to locate the best deal closest to you! The app is free and can be used on an Android, Blackberry, Iphone, or Windows mobile device. The website featuring this app, www.GasBuddy.com makes all of this happen by tracking prices and constantly updating their maps. GasBuddy users are also able to plan fuel stops before leaving on a trip—you can calculate trip costs, look up fuel saving tips, and even submit your own information about prices based on what you find.

You can check out the article on GasBuddy from ConsumerReports to find some of the pros and cons they have for the app. If you like what you see, you can download the app (remember, it’s free!) and start searching! Remember, as important as great deals are, savvy student would never want your hunt for discounts to put you in danger—remember to put the phone away when you’re driving and either pull over to use your app or have someone else in the car do it for you! Have a happy, safe, and frugal summer!