Unless you own an electric vehicle, travel by public transport only, or cycle to work, then you need to buy gas. No matter how thrifty you are or how carefully you plan your travels, if the price of crude oil goes up, the price of gasoline does the same. Is there any way to get free petrol? Perhaps. You can learn some tricks to put in place at the gas station or participate in the “loyalty” operations proposed by the oil companies.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: At the Gas Pump
Step 1. Print the receipt at the self service (or ask for it at the gas station) and check the pump
Sometimes you don't get what you paid for. If you want to get free fuel, first you need to make sure that the price you paid matches the price displayed. Sometimes, the dispensers are badly calibrated and, if so, you could get some more free fuel.
- Fill a container with a known capacity, such as a standard tank. With the calculator you can quickly ascertain whether the price per liter matches what is advertised. If not, ask for a refund or the missing amount of fuel.
- If you find that your city's gas station is unreliable, keep coming back and complaining every time. Always print receipts and check carefully.
Step 2. Shake the tube
Petrol pumps, even the most modern multi-dispenser ones, can be gripped with one hand while with the other you can hold the hose 60-90 cm away from the dispensing gun. Shake the tube down as if you want to crack a whip. A small amount of petrol should come out without the meter noticing.
Warning: this technique could be very dangerous, as you could damage the pump or harm yourself. It is also a surefire way to get into trouble and completely inefficient for filling up the car
Step 3. Keep the dispensing gun as much as possible in the reservoir
Often, a small stream of fuel continues to flow even after releasing the dispenser trigger. Gently shake the hose and wait for all the gasoline to enter the tank. Certainly you will not be able to get large quantities, but you will get a little more than what you paid for.
Step 4. Try the secret agent trick
If you are traveling "on the road" in the United States you can try this method. In fact, it is said that during Nixon's presidency, government agents investigating the mafia had been given a "trick" to fill up for free. According to legend, there are still petrol pumps of this type scattered around the country where you can get fuel without paying, if you know the trick.
- You have to put the dispensing gun in the tank, then pull the trigger briefly three times, then twice but for a longer time and then three more short presses. Finally, refuel as usual.
- This trick has been proven wrong without a shadow of a doubt. The service stations of the 1970s were all analogue, while now they are multiservice and digital pumps. However, it's worth a try!
Method 2 of 2: Other Methods
Step 1. When you go on vacation, stay at hotels that offer fuel rewards
Book at a hotel chain that offers this type of "reward" for loyal customers. Additionally, there are hotel booking sites (such as Expedia.com) that offer petrol vouchers as rewards to people who use their services.
- Even smaller chains or independent hotels often offer coupons to their customers. You can do some research online about it.
- If you have booked at a property that does not promote these types of freebies, inquire. Sometimes you can get a slightly more expensive room, but it comes with a "fuel package" included in the price. This way you can still save money, if you do your bills well.
Step 2. Offer your vehicle for advertising campaigns
Many companies offer a monthly payment to people who agree to stick advertising stickers on their car. The premium varies according to the size of the space offered, which can be the rear window only or the entire surface of the body.
- If you do some research online you will not be long in finding commercial companies looking for available motorists. Often, however, they only select those people who can guarantee a mileage of at least 1600 km per month. However, the criteria may change, for example if you live in a university town or in an area with a lot of pedestrian crossing.
- Among the other requirements that are required is that you must have a recent car model in good condition, that it is insured and that the license is valid without ever losing points. You may receive additional compensation or may be entrusted with a particular advertising campaign if you drive a specific vehicle (a truck, RV, or 4WD), or if you have a job that requires you to drive long distances every day.
Step 3. Become a policeman
Have you ever noticed a police car at a normal petrol station to fill up? This is because patrols who work in city areas usually have access to a private gas station that allows them not to pay for fuel. Obviously, only service cars have this advantage and certainly not the private cars of police officers. However, it's a way to get around town without spending a dime on gasoline.
There are other jobs that provide free fuel or reimbursement of expenses incurred, for example you can be a representative of a company that makes the company car available to you
Step 4. Share your car with other people and split the costs
Car pooling is gaining momentum and is a great way to get someone else to pay for gas. If you're driving other people, ask if they can fill them up, or if they want to give you money to cover the expenses. It is a completely legitimate request.
Some states and regions also offer petrol vouchers to encourage car pooling. In other cases, the prizes are different, such as a gift card for a restaurant or bar. However, it is a tribute
Step 5. The next time you rent a car, ask if gas is free or included in the rental
If you're on the road and need a car, sometimes you can get a full tank for free. Some companies offer it on certain car models or as an incentive to attract customers. If you are not totally satisfied with the car that is provided to you or you want to negotiate, you could give it a try and be lucky!
Step 6. Participate in Reward Surveys and Credit Card Point Collection Programs
You can often ask to convert points with a shopping voucher of your choice, including one for fuel, or with credit on a prepaid card for the purchase of gasoline. These are great opportunities to get some free petrol at the gas station.
Step 7. Open a new checking account or savings deposit
Some banking institutions offer gas vouchers as an incentive to attract new customers. Check for similar promotions and sign a contract for a new account, where you will keep all your "earned" savings at the gas pump.
