Why do we tolerate high gas prices?

What's the difference between Woodstock, Ill. and Fairfield, Ill.? Say, on gas prices...

Woodstock, Ill. $3.75/gal.
Fairfield, Ill. $3.06/gal.

Supply-and-demand? Taxes? Price-gouging?

Obviously, we can't drive 325 miles to fill up. But I'll bet there is something that we can do.

It doesn't do any good to complain to the kid in the convenience store who hands out the receipt when the printer has no paper. Or who gives you the paper towel when the dispenser near the pump hasn't been refilled.

And it might not even do any good to call the retailer's office or the distributor, if only a few people call.

What if we could track down the components to a local price? And what if we all decided that we'd buy from one station in, say, Woodstock, until prices go down? Maybe, like, for a month or so.

Use Gas Buddy to find the lowest gas price in your area. And help out by posting prices. You might like the Fuel Log on that site to keep you informed of the actual MPG that the ol' buggy is getting.

Air up those tires (check the spare, too) and think about a tune-up before winter. You do want your car to start every morning; right? And remember the winter-grade windshield washer fluid.