We’ve all made those quick stops at a gas station, whether to fuel up the car or ourselves. But while they’re great for a fill-up or a quick snack, not everything on the shelves is a good buy. In fact, some items are best avoided altogether, no matter how convenient they seem.
From overpriced bottled water to questionable car supplies, gas stations can be full of potential shopping traps. These are the 10 worst products you can buy at a gas station.
Anything Car-Related
While it might be convenient to pick up car supplies like oil or windshield wiper fluid at a gas station, especially in urgent situations, be cautious with what you choose to buy. These items are often marked up significantly compared to prices at specialized auto parts stores. If it’s not an emergency, consider buying these supplies from an auto store or getting your car serviced by a professional.
For less important things like air fresheners or tire pressure gauges, a gas station could be fine for the short term, but keep in mind they might not be the best quality.
Over-the-Counter Meds
It’s tempting to grab some quick relief from a headache or allergies at a gas station, especially during a road trip. But unless it’s an absolute emergency, it’s usually best to wait until you can find a more reliable place to buy medications.
Gas station medicines might not be stored properly or could even be expired, which makes them less effective or potentially risky. For your health and safety, it’s smarter to buy over-the-counter medications from a pharmacy where the storage conditions and expiration dates are managed more carefully.
Fountain Drinks
While fountain sodas at gas stations may seem more wallet-friendly compared to bottled beverages, the quality can be hit or miss. Depending on the maintenance of the soda fountain, you might find the drinks to be watered down or lacking the fizz you’d expect from a fresh soda. If you’re craving a soda, you might be better off buying a can or a bottle from a grocery store.
Avoid Perishable Foods at Gas Stations
Think twice before grabbing perishable foods like sandwiches or sushi from a gas station. Despite some having full-service kitchens, they often fall short in freshness and safety. These foods can be stored improperly, increasing the risk of bacteria. A 2016 food safety report found many gas stations didn’t keep perishables cold enough. If you’re in a pinch and you must buy, check that the fridge is cooler than 39 degrees Fahrenheit and choose items near the cooling element.
Lottery Tickets Aren’t Worth the Gamble
I get it: It’s easy to be tempted by lottery tickets at the gas station, especially when you’re dreaming of a big win. However, the reality is that the odds of winning are pretty slim. Buying a ticket occasionally might be fun, but it’s usually not the best use of your money. Instead of hoping for a jackpot that’s unlikely to come, save your money or spend your cash on something more practical.
Steer Clear of Skincare and Beauty Products
Buying skincare and beauty products at a gas station might not be the best idea. They usually aren’t stored properly and could be expired, which reduces their effectiveness and safety. Plus, there’s a high chance that someone else might have opened and tested the product before putting it back on the shelf. For products that directly affect your skin, it’s safer and more hygienic to shop at a pharmacy where items are likely to be fresher and untouched.
Dairy
Think twice before grabbing dairy products at a gas station. They’re often more expensive and might not be fresh. Always check the expiration date if you really need to buy dairy on the go. With the high prices and the risk of spoiled products, it’s usually better to pass on these items.
Electronics -High Prices, Low Quality
Electronics at gas stations? Better to avoid them. Items like batteries, cables, and chargers are way overpriced at gas stations, especially since their quality usually isn’t great. If you’re in a bind and forgot your charger, consider it a last resort. Otherwise, you’ll get better deals and higher quality by shopping online, at a tech store, or even at a Walmart.
Bottled Drinks
Bottled water and soda at gas stations come with a hefty price tag due to convenience. You’re essentially paying extra for the convenience of grabbing a drink on the go. Gas stations often mark up their prices significantly compared to supermarkets. Instead, skip the overpriced bottled water at gas stations and bring a reusable bottle to fill at a tap or fountain instead. This small change can lead to substantial savings and is also a more environmentally friendly choice.
Fruits and Veggies
It’s pretty common to see fruits and veggies like bananas and carrots at gas stations. But don’t be fooled by their appearance. These items usually aren’t as fresh as those in grocery stores due to slower sales. Buying produce at a gas station might be convenient, but you’re likely sacrificing quality and freshness for the sake of convenience.
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