Watch How Much That Gas Really Costs

Gas prices – A little simple math.

What does it take to save a nickel a gallon?

If your car gets 20 miles to the gallon and a gallon of gas is $3.70 (approximate gas prices in Pinole on July 15) it costs you 92 cents to travel just five miles. To even break even, you have to buy a little over 18 gallons! It's only after that 18 gallons do you start to save. This does not take into account the wear and tear on your vehicle. Be careful, it's easy to travel 5 miles — you go to and from the station.

So, as you watch the gas prices here on the Pinole Patch, think carefully about what it costs to search out the least expensive station. You might just not save anything and it actually cost you to “go get” that cheap gas.

The lower cost gas is only a “deal” if you plan your trip and the station you desire to use is on the route you would be taking anyway.