Gas stations in CA? Shell?

[BurnsideMommy]

Is Shell a popular gas station in CA? I can't recall where we stopped for gas our last trip down there. We drive from Oregon (it's about 5 hours from our house to the CA border) to Anaheim. Our trip will be mid-September. I was thinking of buying some Shell gas cards (rewards programs), and was wondering if the shell gas station is a popular one? We have a $600 budget for gas. I was thinking like $300 in Shell gas cards, and the rest cash. Is that a good plan, or a nightmare? I plan to go through last fall's trip reciepts to see what towns & stations we gas'ed up in, but our records are a mess right now so I figured asking here was quicker! :)

[Mom2micayla]

There are definitely Shell gas stations around DLR. We did the same thing... used some of mypoints points and redeemed them for a Shell giftcard.

Now the rest of your drive, I can't say. :confused3

[Albort]

There is quite a bit of shell around California.

What i suggest would to use a credit card. I know my Discover card rebates 5% on every gas purchases. Might be worth it?

[DisQueen]

You should find lots of Shell stations driving down I-5. It may not be the cheapest station, though. If you are really looking at price, Arco or BP or Valero will almost always beat the prices at Shell. I agree with Albort - if you have a credit card with a rebate that might work better. You can get the cheapest price at each stop and get a rebate off your card.

[BurnsideMommy]

Thanks!

I don't think we have any CC's with a rebate for gas. I'll look into them, we never seem to use any of the ones we have (well I do use my Gymboree visa sometimes LOL). I know we have some rewards with our AmEx, WorldPoints and another one. Thanks, I didn't even think of that.

DH would shoot me if I put Arco gas in our Audi or Expedition (not sure which car we're driving - Audi gets better mileage, has a nav system, but Expedition has much more room). He's picky about the brands of gas we put in since he has read about the Arco being cheap and watered down. Personally I have no idea, I just always look for the cheapest non arco gas (usually costco/safeway). LOL. Is BP any better than Arco? Maybe I'll try that?

Thanks again!

[Albort]

Even if CC dont have cash rebates, you can still rack up points like for your next Disney trip or something :)

[argusp2]

That "watered down gas" is totally without merit.It is an urban legend. All gas companies have to follow the same requirements.

Before I go on I do not work for, own stock in and/or have family that work for Arco.
Arco had "invested heavily in developing gasoline made with MTBE, which it promotes as an environmentally correct fuel, and quietly sided with the green groups."
The above is from an article by Ken Silverstein, the Washington editor for Harper's magazine.

Just for information's sake. Don't want to start a good gas vs bad gas argument.

Enjoy your trip to Disneyland!!!