NEW YORK, May 10, 2006
How To Get Gas For Free
That's Right, Free! Susan Koeppen Fills You In
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Play CBS Video Video Free Gas, But There's A Catch As gas prices soar, consumers are searching for new ways to offset the high cost. As Susan Koeppen reports, there is a way to get free gas as long as you're willing to turn your car into a billboard.
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(CBS/The Early Show)
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Interactive Gas Prices State-by-state averages, tips to improve mileage and a look at what fuels prices at the pump.
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News Tools Contact Susan Early Show consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen is ready to help you. Just e-mail her!
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Interactive Motor Away Things to know before hitting the road.
The Early Show consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen says it's as close as your nearest computer.
And with gas prices topping out above $3 and the summer driving season just around the corner, her report comes in the nick of time.
She found numerous Web sites offering relief for your pain at the pump, and visited with a Brooklyn, N.Y., demolition contractor who gets free gas for his hummer.
When Mike Amico bought it, he knew it'd be a gasoline guzzler. He was spending about $200 a week to fill its hungry tanks. But, says Koeppen, Amico turned his gas hog into a cash cow. This month, he'll get $100 in free gas.
How's he doing it?
He turned his hummer into a rolling billboard, agreeing to put a company's advertisement on his Hummer. In return, Amico gets a gift card to his favorite gas station.
Amico says fellow motorists "are definitely looking at" the ad, and "are definitely intrigued." He plans to put more signs on his truck, which will mean more free gas for him.
Amico told Koeppen he has "no problem whatsoever" putting ads on his vehicle: "NASCAR drivers do it, tennis players do it. Why not me?"
He works through a Web site called freegashelp.com, which pairs drivers with advertisers. To qualify, you need to drive at least 1,000 miles a month, your car needs to be in good condition, and you need to be the registered owner. Participants can get up to $200 (or more in certain cases) in free gas a month. Advertising options range from door magnets to complete vehicle ad coverage.
Go to page two of this story for many other Web sites offering free gas.
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