81% prefer Arco for low fuel prices, while 55% choose Chevron for safety
Gas stations in the US serve as more than just fueling stops, with convenience stores and additional services contributing significantly to their profits. Gasoline sales, despite their importance, often generate lower margins compared to the items sold inside convenience stores. Understanding how and why American car owners visit gas stations, along with their spending habits and brand preferences, sheds light on the broader role of these facilities in daily life.
How often do Americans visit gas stations?
Frequency of visits varies among car owners. According to data from CategoryView, YouGov’s industry-specific brand tracking tool, 42% of car owners typically visit gas stations three to five times per month. Another 37% visit one to two times monthly, while 11% report visiting six to ten times.
Reasons for visiting
While fueling remains the primary reason for gas station visits (85%), other needs draw Americans to these locations. In the past three months, 33% reported buying goods from the convenience store, and 24% used the restrooms. Pumping air into tires (19%), getting a car wash (15%), and withdrawing cash (9%) are also common reasons.
Other activities include taking a break between trips (7%), topping up windshield washer fluid (5%), seeking emergency assistance (3%), and charging an electric vehicle (3%).
Spending at gas stations
Car owners’ spending habits at gas stations differ for fuel and convenience store purchases. For fuel, 28% of respondents spend less than $30 per visit, while 51% spend between $30 and $49. Another 16% report spending $50 to $79, and 5% spend $80 or more.
Convenience store spending is typically lower, with 49% of car owners spending less than $5 per visit. Another 22% spend $5 to $9.99, 16% spend $10 to $14.99, and 12% spend $15 or more.
Factors driving brand preferences
When choosing where to refuel, car owners consider factors like fuel prices, convenience, safety, and available amenities.
Arco and Valero stand out for their affordability. Among those considering Arco, 81% cite low fuel prices as their reason, followed by convenient locations (69%), safety of the gas station and its surroundings (50%), and cleanliness (42%).
In addition to low fuel prices and convenience, 37% of BP considerers value the quality of the convenience store and 30% prioritize the speed of service.
Nearly three in ten (29%) of respondents who would consider Chevron would do so because of the availability of services such as car washes, air pumps, and windshield cleaning. Environmental considerations are also a factor for 19%.
Safety and loyalty programs are particularly important to Circle K customers. Fifty-two percent of Circle K considerers cite the safety of gas stations, while 50% value cleanliness. Additionally, 31% highlight loyalty programs as a deciding factor.
Citgo and ConocoPhillips attract customers for similar reasons. Over three-quarters of these customers value low fuel prices (78% and 76%, respectively) and convenient locations (76% and 74%). Safety is a factor for 52%, while cleanliness matters to 48% of Citgo and 49% of ConocoPhillips considerers. Around a quarter cite the availability of additional services as a factor for them to consider (24% and 25%).
Among ExxonMobil considerers, 29% value loyalty programs, compared to 28% for Mobil1 and Shell. Services like car washes and air pumps are also important, with 27% of ExxonMobil users and 28% of Mobil1 and 26% of Shell customers citing them as deciding factors.
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Methodology: YouGov Automotive CategoryView collects data on brands & consumers across the US every month. The data is based on the interviews of more than 11,000 American adults aged 18+ between March 1st and November 30th, 2024. Learn more about YouGov Automotive CategoryView.
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