Tools to Help You

Save Big on Gas

A s gas prices soar, reaching nearly $4 a gallon at your local station, web services and mobile applications have stepped in to help you find the best price for gas at a pump near you. There couldn’t be a better time to start taking advantage of these services. A s temperatures begin to rise, so too will gas prices. Savvy business and leisure trav- elers can now locate the best price on gas with the click of a mouse or a tap of a touch screen. Below are just some of the tools available to help you save your dollars for the things that really matter.

Websites

The U.S. Department of Energy has a wonderful set of tools to help you save money at the pump. For those looking to buy a new, fuel-efficient car, the site offers a “Find and Compare” section that allows you to compare everything from two seaters to subcompacts to large cars. There is also a set of tools to help you calculate and keep track of your fuel economy and then compare it with EPA test ratings. If you’re looking to make it in to a game, you can compete with friend by sharing your mpg with other users. The site (http://www. fueleconomy.gov) even offers gas mileage tips, a fuel cost calculator and its interactive map links to services that track and monitor gas prices across the country.

Mapquest’s gas pricing service, which is featured on the site, is particularly helpful. Visit it directly at http:// gasprices.mapquest.com.

Gasbuddy — Free

Gasbuddy has a strong presence on the Internet, but like many websites it’s also gotten into the mobile game, offering applications specifically designed for IOS, Android and Blackberry devices. Not only does the app locate gas stations near you, it lets you see a station’s current gas prices, giving you the low down on the cheapest gas — all while you’re on the go. Best of all, it’s free. With a few clicks or taps, you’ll never overpay for gas again.

One of the features that makes Gasbuddy so resourceful is its ability to utilize its user community. If you find a great place for cheap gas, report it. The idea is that users work together to update gas prices. The site and the app reward users for every gas price they report. The idea is to earn points for a chance to win Gasbuddy’s prize give-away. The real prize, however, is finding cheap gas.

For more information, visit www.gasbuddy.com.

AAA Triptik — Free

AAA is a name every driver can trust. Their website offers a host of excellent travel advice, including gas prices as well as basics like lodging and insurance. The AAA Triptikapp, available for both IOS and Android, is free but both require AAA membership, which can cost anywhere from $58 to $125 a year. However, for those who already pay for that service, you’ll have a chance to get maps, directions, AAA approved lodging and dining info. You’ll also get convenient, locationbased gas prices. The added benefits that come with membership and the app in your pocket are great. You’ll get Roadside Assistance, maps, directions and a host of AAA Approved services. Route to an address, find and get directions to nearby restaurants or just use it get great prices on gas.

For more information, visit www.aaa. com/mobile.

Gas Cubby — $2.99

Gas Cubby is something a little different. It bills itself as “the ultimate tool for tracking gas mileage and vehicle maintenance.” Although the app doesn’t locate gas stations with the best deals, it does give you a large set of tools to help you keep your car as fuel efficient as possible. The app provides tools to help you build a set of stats that reflect your driving habits. Chart mpg, gas prices, gas expenses, service expenses and more. The app syncs when connected to the Internet, so you can set up service reminders and store vehicle data (VIN, license plate, etc.) on the go. It supports multiple vehicles, and you c can create an Excel compatible email rep port to use how you see fit.

Gas Cubby will save you money and k keep your vehicle operating at its peak.

For more i nformation, visit www.appcubby.com.

Carticipate — Free

Nothing makes gas cheaper than cutting down on the amount you actually use. Available on the iphone and Facebook, Carticipate bills itself as an “experiment in social transportation.” It’s a rideshare application for your location aware mobile devices. The idea is simple: coordinate driving plans by indicating where you are going and when. Then, all you have to do is post your plans. The service then matches you up to local “carticipants” going your way. Yes, that includes (shudder) strangers, but don’t fret. You can avoid the strangers and coordinate carpool plans with friends, family and coworkers, too.

For more infor mation visit www.carticipate.com.

With so many great tools, you can’t pick the wrong one, but you can save a few dollars.