When it comes to refueling your Chevrolet, choosing the right gas station is important. There are many people who just choose the place that's closest to them when it comes time to refuel. While this can lead to good results, it could also mean that your Chevy isn't getting the best that it can. At Capitol Chevrolet, we want to help you make the decisions that are best for your vehicle. So, before you refuel, take these five tips into consideration.
5. Look at Price
Price is one of the most important things that people consider when it comes to buying gas. If there's a station that regularly charges more without offering higher-quality gasoline (more on that later), it's best to go elsewhere. However, you should be wary of filling stations on the other end of the spectrum, too. If a gas station has prices that are too good to be true, there might be a catch. Some places with noticeably lower prices may not allow you to use a credit or debit card, for example. Some gas stations may even skimp on quality if they're offering too deep a discount.
4. Consider Convenience
While finding a good price is important, convenience should also enter into the equation. We mentioned that many people fill up at a gas station that's close to them. This isn't always a bad thing. If you're driving several miles out of your way in order to save a few cents on gas, you may have used up those savings on the drive. Finding a place that's close to your home or your regular commute is something to consider. But there are other convenience-related issues to think about, as well. We mentioned gas stations that don't take credit or debit cards; think about whether the savings of visiting such a place outweighs the inconvenience of getting cash. And if you need to use the restroom or want to get something to eat or drink before or after you refuel, you may want to make sure that the gas station has a convenience store.
3. Is the Gas Station Clean, Safe, & Well-Kept?
Rolling up to a gas station that looks like it's a location in a post-apocalyptic movie is never encouraging. If a place feels unsafe, or if the restrooms look like they haven't been cleaned since the Macarena was in style, it's best to avoid getting gas there. Not only can it be dangerous (or at least uncomfortable) for you, but it could also put your car at risk. If a gas station isn't well-kept, the gas tanks themselves may have been compromised by rust or other damage. Water could seep into the tanks, mixing with the gas and diluting it.
2. Look for Quality TOP TIER™ Gas
Earlier, we said that you shouldn't pay more for gas of the same quality. However, it's still best for your Chevy if you use TOP TIER™ Gas. Fundamentally, gasoline itself is all the same. But all companies add a certain mixture of detergent additives that make the gas cleaner and better for your car. While some places only put in the minimum amount required by law, TOP TIER™ companies go above and beyond. They use extra additives to make the gas run even cleaner, which is better for your engine's health.
1. Plan Ahead
In a survey conducted by GasBuddy, nearly 57% of respondents said that they choose a gas station while they're already driving, and nearly half said that they decide it's time to refuel their vehicle when they're driving and are running low on fuel. This doesn't leave much room for choice. If you wait until you're already on the road and the low gas warning light comes on, you might be stuck between a rock and a hard place. Choosing whether to risk running out of gas or to stop at a shady or overpriced gas station is never a pleasant situation to be in. For this reason, we recommend that you not wait until you're running on fumes to refuel.
