4 Gas-Saving Deals that Rarely Pay Off

photo source: joe-ks.com

Gas prices are rising, and many companies see it as a business opportunity. I’m sure everyone has noticed all the ads are aimed at improving car fuel efficiency and saving money at the pump. The question is, are these methods paying off? Not according to a recent SmartMoney article, “4 Gas-Saving Deals that Rarely Pay Off.”

Products That Claim to Make Cars More Fuel-Efficient
Don’t fall victim to the additives and the engine conversions that improve gas mileage. According to the EPA, only a few actually improve mileage. Even for the ones that work, the gas savings is too small to even justify the prices. In addition, many of them contain water and gas, which can cause serious damage to cars and void warranties. Tip? Just don’t do it.

Ads Offering Gas Rewards and Discounts
Don’t fall for the free gas gift cards for web ads. Many times there is too much work involved and sometimes, the cards don’t even arrive. The Better Business Bureau is currently investigating RadioGasDeals.com, which airs radio ads offering consumers to lock in gas prices at $2.49. The site’s Free Zone LLC also owns GasLockedIn.com, GasPumpRebates.com, conducts  business under the names CYMedia Group, America’s Gas Relief Program, FreeZone Rewards, High Altitude Marketing, iPod Deal, Media Zone, The iPod Deal and Xbox Free Zone, according to the BBB.

Using a Gas Rewards Credit Card
Using a gas rewards card with a 3% rebate is like getting a discount of 12 cents per gallon at the pump, if the station isn’t charging extra for using credit cards. Also, you need to get past these restrictive policies. Currently, there are gas stations that are charging customers as much as 50 cents per gallon on credit and debit card transactions– a fee discovered after the card is swiped.

If you notice a gas station is charging a surcharge for using plastic, report it to Cardratings.com, and request the difference to be refunded. The gas  station will be fined and forced to discontinue the fee.

Auctions of Gas Vouchers and Coupons
Try to avoid auction related sites for gift card purchases. Many times the cards are fraudulent and counterfeit. Example: Currently people are posting Rite Aid  “Fill Up & Fuel Up” coupons that award a $30 gift card when a customer transfers a prescription to its stores. Sellers are asking for up to $10 each. You can download the coupons online for free.

Final tip? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably IS too good to be true. Just be careful.