SpeedStop: We Are Hiring

Are you ready to increase your knowledge, add to your skills and start building your career?  

Well, good news; SpeedStop is currently hiring and is looking for energized individuals ready to serve others and make a difference in the community.

SpeedStop isn’t just committed to customers; we’re also devoted to each of our employees. We’re an equal opportunity employer, offering competitive pay and a load of benefits. Right now, we’re on the search for outgoing customer service representatives and friendly store managers.

Sound too good to be true? We invite you to join our team and apply online.

SpeedStop: Your One Stop Shop for all of your Morning Needs

Do you wake up to a coffee or a Red Bull?

Is your on-the-go breakfast a banana or a breakfast burrito?

Do you need to fill up with gas or just grab a quick bite to eat?

Let’s face it, most mornings we are in a rush and have too long of a to-do list to finish by the end of the day. At SpeedStop, our exceptional employees are here to help you have a joyful, quality and speedy experience!  Watch our most recent video to see why we are the place to start your morning off right!

 

Whatever your needs may be, SpeedStop is your one stop shop! Our wide selection of energy drinks are there to wake you up, while our variety of morning meals will keep you full.

SpeedStop; fuel for your car, AND  fuel for your body.

Stop on in to SpeedStop for all of your morning needs!

Reward Programs: We Want to Stretch your Dollar

At SpeedStop, we understand that a trip to the gas station can get pretty spendy. We want you to be able to stretch your dollar out as far as possible. That’s why we have a great Rewards Program to reward you for being loyal customers. Our programs offer a variety of savings and bonuses that will help you keep your money in your pocket and keep you coming back for more!

BP Drivers Rewards Program

A great program we offer is the BP Driver Rewards! It is FREE to register and you get instant savings. After you register, you instantly get 10 cents off per gallon of gas. If you’re filling up your whole tank, that certainly adds up! Following your instant reward, for every 20 gallons of fuel purchased you receive 5 cents off per gallon. A cool way to help you save some money at the pump!

The Superticket Way

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a chance to win $100 every week? With our Superticket, you get that chance! We give away $100 of free gas every week. For simply signing up, you get to choose from these rewards:

• 5 cents off per gallon of gas
• Free 1 liter of Coke product
• $1 off any posted car wash
• Free large coffee or cappuccino
• Free 16 ounce fountain drink

Not bad for just signing up! For every 4 gallons of gas, you get one punch on your Superticket. Once you fill out your card, you are entered to win free gas! 

 

We hope your face is on the winning Superticket next week! Stop in for double stamps on Wednesday and Sunday to fill out your card sooner. We hope you take advantage of our rewards program and are able to stretch your dollar! What do you think about our Rewards Program? Comment below!

http://www.shopspeedstop.com/#!reward-programs/c5wk

Get Pumped: Ten Ways You Can Save on Gas

Are you hitting the road before the summer ends? It’s always nice to find ways to save on money. Every penny counts! Here are ten ways you can get the most out of your tank and stretch your dollar out at the pump.

1. Check your air filter

Most people don’t think about this when it comes to gas, but a clean air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10%! Nearly one in four cars needs an air filter replacement. Maybe it’s time to get your car’s filter checked.

2. Tune up your engine

Your car engine can take a beating throughout the year. When was your last check-up? A maintained engine can improve mileage by up to 4%.

3. Tire Pressure

Keeping your tires pumped up can help you save at the pump. More than a quarter of vehicles are driving on deflated tires and the average inflation can cause a loss of about 2.8% in fuel efficiency.

4. Slow Down!

Driving down the road doesn’t have to be a NASCAR race. It may be convenient to get places faster, but it hurts your gas mileage. You can reduce your fuel consumption by 7% by driving around or below the highway speed limit.

5. Smooth ride

Are you a crazy driver? Smoothly accelerating and not slamming on breaks can help you save at the pump. Trying to keep a consistent speed can really help your wallet. Bad driving can add as much as one-third to your gas bill!

6. Lighten your load

Are you guilty of having half your house in your trunk or backseat? Getting rid of all the junk that doesn’t belong in your car can help you get better gas mileage! For every extra 100 pounds you carry, your vehicle loses close to 2% in fuel efficiency.

7. Time your trips to the pump

Filling your tank up in the middle of the week is when you will usually get your price. Gas prices typically increase close to the weekend or holidays due to the increased demand. Going to the pump at the right times can get you the price you want!

8. Smartphone Apps

Apps can help you find the cheapest gas prices in your area which can come in handy! Apps such as AAA Triptik or GasBuddy are some of the more popular ones.

9. Cruise Control

Using cruise control is huge when driving on the highway. It keeps your car at a steady speed and extends the life of your engine, it’s a win-win!

10. BP Driver Rewards and Superticket Savings

This is probably the most important tip to save on gas: our rewards program! After registering for your FREE Drivers Rewards car, you receive an instant 10 cents off per gallon. After that, for every 20 gallons of fuel purchased you receive 5 cents off per gallon! The Superticket is a way to stretch your dollar even further. We give you a series of instant savings, and a chance to win $100 in free gas every week. Some of the rewards include 5 cents off per gallon of gas, free 1 liter of Coke product, free coffee and much more!

Did we miss some ways to save gas? Comment below!

Things to do in Minnesota this summer!

Schools are out, the sun is shining, and there is no more snow is sight (we hope). It’s time to fill up that tank and explore the beautiful state of Minnesota! What events are going on this summer? Here is a fun list of events going on around the state and locally:

Play ball! Take in a baseball game.

Summertime and baseball go hand in hand! Check out the St. Cloud Rox play for some family fun at great prices. There creative in-game promotions and entertainment will keep your attention even if you’re not a baseball fan. If you are looking to hit the road, head to beautiful Target Field to watch the Minnesota Twins. They are hosting the MLB All-Star Game this summer on July 15^th. It is a huge event and is a great opportunity to watch the best players in the world. Of course, don’t forget to stop by our stores to stock up on all your ballgame needs!

Rock out at a concert.

The summer provides a full slate of concerts for music lovers! If you enjoy country music, Minnesota is host to two huge festivals. Winsted is host to Winstock Country Music Festival on June 13^th and 14^th! Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts, and Billy Currington are just a few names that are playing. We are proud to have given away some tickets to this great event. Another great country festival is WE Fest in Detroit Lakes which is August 7-9^th. That concert features some of the biggest names in country music including Jason Aldean! If you are looking to stay in Central Minnesota and still see some country music stars there is Firefest in Cold Spring. This concert is on July 26^th and features Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett. 

More music: Summertime by George.

Summertime by George! is a free concert and festival put on by the Rotary Club of St. Cloud at the newly renovated Lake George! The area will be transformed into a fun and active place every Wednesday with free live music from local and regional bands, local vendors, artisians, and a kid's zone for the entire family to enjoy. This free 12-week event will be held every Wednesday starting June 11^th, 2014 and running through August 27^th. Don’t forget to stop by our location nearby for refreshments and snacks!

More Central Minnesota fun.

There is so much to do in the summertime! There is the Art Crawl which has two events this summer and is downtown St. Cloud (June 13^th and August 22^nd). Granite City Days is a 4 day event (June 26^th-29^th) and features a Lemonade Concert, a block party, a parade, and much much more! In Sauk Rapids, they have Rapid River Days (June 26^th-28^th) and features a pageant, parade, and a food fest.

There is so much to do in Central Minnesota and beyond! We wish you safe travels this summer on your way to all these adventures.

Break Out the Boat...It's Fishing Time!

It goes without saying that fishing is one of THE great Minnesota pastimes. In fact, the Minnesota DNR reports that, year over year, more people in our state buy fishing licenses than in any other. 

It makes sense; with well over 5,000 fishable lakes, teeming with prized species like walleye and northern pike, Minnesota’s anglers don’t really have to venture too far away from their backyards to catch the big one.  

With that being said, we here at the Pequot Lakes SpeedStop invite you to explore everything we have on hand to make fishing season a success. 

Located conveniently along State Highway 371, in and around a great many fishing destinations, SpeedStop Pequot Lakes is your one-stop shop for, well, everything:

THE ESSENTIALS

Naturally, we invite you to fill up your gas tank and load up on all the essential snacks and beverages, but don’t skip over the Oasis Liquor Shop. SpeedStop Pequot Lakes offers a full range of beers in our Beer Cave, along with an extensive selection of wine and spirits. Of course, we want to remind you to drink responsibly this weekend - and all year long. 

BAIT, TACKLE AND MORE

Maybe there’s something you forgot while packing up the car, or you realize you’d like to pick up a map to explore new waters? Not to worry. Our Pequot Lakes location boasts a fully-loaded Pro Shop, complete with a wide variety of bait and tackle, rods and reels, nets, and more. Don’t forget the most important accessory of opening weekend - your license. Pick one up here or at any nearby SpeedStop location! 

THE EXTRAS

The weather can change in a second here in Minnesota, so don’t forget to browse our full collection of high-quality sweatshirts, tees, sweatpants and hats, and have the layers you might seriously need on hand. Plus, with a collection of gifts, you can pick out a memento for friends and family, highlighting your time here in Lake Country!

That’s just a snapshot of what we’ve got here at SpeedStop Pequot Lakes; if you find yourself a little further south, you can drop into our St. Joseph location for the very same services.

Visit us en route to wherever your fishing adventures may take you, and let us help you get yourself prepped for a successful weekend on the water!

The Luck of SpeedStop

When the month of March rolls around, many people begin the countdown to the luckiest day of the year - St. Patrick’s Day. At SpeedStop, however, we started the “luck” earlier this year when the ball dropped on New Year’s Eve. Why do we say this? Because since the start of 2014, we have sold some pretty lucky lottery tickets. If you don’t believe us, ask two individuals who bought winning tickets at two of our SpeedStop locations!

Our first big lottery winner in 2014 was Cold Spring resident Carlos Vega Vega who won one of the two $1-million Minnesota Millionaire Raffle tickets in January. He bought his ticket at our Waite Park store, and when he went to claim his winnings at the Lottery headquarters in Roseville with his wife and son, he was quoted with a smile on his face saying: “Hopefully this won’t be the last time I’m here,”…and we hope he is right.

Our second, and most recent winner, bought his ticket at our Sartell store. David Calson of St. Cloud won the Northstar Cash lottery that was valued at $26,000 on February 18th when his ticket matched the winning numbers 1-9-11-13-31. When the lottery representative came to take pictures after it was announced that Carlson had bought his ticket at the Sartell SpeedStop, our store manager excitedly represented SpeedStop by taking a photo announcing the good news!

At SpeedStop, we want nothing more than to make each and every customer happy. We are beyond excited to be a part these amazing moments in these winners lives. So far this year, we have had a winner each month at one of our locations. Yes, the lottery is based on luck, but never think that you aren’t lucky enough to win. You never know what the future holds. Stop into one of our stores, because with the luck we’ve already had this year, you’re chances of winning could be higher than you think. We haven’t had a winner yet this month, but it could be YOU! May the luck of the Irish be with you the rest of this month and all year long - and maybe, just maybe, it will bring you the big bucks!

Our HWY 10 Location Got A Makeover!

At Speedstop, we take pride in having the best facilities for our customers! This is why we decided to expand the interior of our HYW 10 location so we would have enough room for a walk in cooler. This added space will benefit our customers because we are now able to expand product lines and stay current with new products. Unfortunately in order to do this, it was necessary to take out the car wash at this location. If this was your go-to spot for giving your car a good scrub, get the same touch free washes at our nearby Sauk Rapids or Central locations. Here are the before and after shots of our new space:

Before

After

 Comment below and let us know if you like the fresh look!

Helpful Fuel Finding Apps

No one likes to pay high prices for gas. Whether you're on a business trip, a road trip vacation, or just doing your day-to-day driving, you'll want to pay the lowest price possible for your gas. Gas prices rise all around the world on a consistent basis. Luckily, iPhone and Smartphone users have access to very helpful fuel finding apps. These apps can help you find the lowest prices in your area without emptying your bank account.

GasBuddy

Perhaps the most notable app for finding the best prices is GasBuddy. This app has an easy to use interface and allows the user to access a large database of gas prices in your area by entering your city, state, or zip code. GasBuddy also gives you useful information about each station, such as the address and phone number, and it will even give you directions to the station of your choice. You can earn points and awards for reporting gas prices, and even have a chance to win $250 in gas every week.

Gas Guru: Cheap gas prices

This app is a good alternative to GasBuddy. Gas Guru pulls its prices from the Oil Price Information Service, making it one of the most accurate free apps available. The user interface is stunning, updates quickly, and lets you view not only the price changes, but the times they were updated. You can filter your search the type of gas you use (unleaded, regular, diesel, etc.) and label stations you visit most frequently. Gas Guru even gives you the locations and reviews of nearest ATM's, roadside assistance, restaurants, or places to grab a cup of coffee, then you can share your finds on Facebook.

YP Local Search & Gas Prices

If you are looking for something a little more all-inclusive, try the Yellow pages (YP) Local Search & Gas Prices App. Not only is it great for finding local gas prices, but it is also able to locate all sorts of deals and discounts in your area- from phone numbers and hours of operation to maps and directions, to photos- you can even upload your own! This app is powered by Yellowpages.com, putting over eighteen million businesses right in the palm of your hand. You'll save money on trips by going to other places that have cheap deals on your way to fuel up.

All three of these apps are free. If you travel a lot, you may want to try apps with a more polished interface like Fuel Finder ($2.99), or Smartfuel (which has a 30-day free trial period). These apps have all the same amenities as the other three, but are a bit more comprehensive and usually more accurate. Either way, gas station apps have the ability to help you harness the internet quickly and save you money each time you fill up. For more ways to save locally, take a look at the Speedstop’s reward offerings here.

Preparing for a Road Trip

Holiday season is right around the corner! For many, this means it’s time to head out on a road trip to see family or friends. Whether you are driving a short or long distance, it is always a good idea to ensure your car is prepared for the travel. Here are a few car maintenance tips that we personally recommend before taking a road trip:

1. Schedule a Check Up

Make some time to bring your car in to have a routine check up one week before you go. This will ensure that your wipers, fluid levels, brake pads, etc. are all working properly.

Don't have time for a check up? Your local Speedstop carries a lot of last minute maintenance items (oil, coolant, etc.) that would be good to have on hand.

2. Re-Charge and Re-Fuel

Check your battery to make sure it’s running strong, and make sure you fuel up the night before you leave. Although these seem like obvious recommendations, getting them out of the way the night before will give you one less thing to worry about the day you leave. Score the best deal on fuel by participating in Speedstop's various reward programs. 

3. Inspect Your Tires

Check your tires to make sure there are no tears, they have a good amount of tread left, and they have the right amount of air pressure.

Speedstop has air pumps available at every location for your convenience!

4. Be Prepared

Make sure you have the necessary supplies in the event of an accident or medical issue. Have a GPS on hand so you know where you are going, where to fuel up, and where to stop if you begin having car problems.

Below are a few items available at various Speedstop locations that might be a good idea to include in an emergency kit. 

5. Kid Prep

Pick up snacks before you leave. Plan activities and have plenty of entertainment. The less of a distraction the kids are to you, the more focus you can have on driving safely!

Let your kids pick out their favorite items at your local Speedstop. And then visit our Travel Tips board on Pinterest for road trip activity ideas. 

Are there any other tips we left out that you would recommend to others? Comment below and let us know!

Preparing Your Car For The Minnesota Winter

Winter-like conditions can hit Minnesota as early as October, even though the winter doesn’t officially start until December. The temperatures can drop to a freezing -17 degree Celsius, and the ten coldest counties in the United States are all located in this in one state.

One of the many aspects of your life that the Minnesota winter can take a toll on is your vehicle. Here are some tips to prepare your car for a cold winter.

Refresh Your Coolant 

If your coolant freezes because the proportion is off, it can lead to your vehicle overheating. Get your car’s coolant system checked thoroughly. If there’s a leak, it can be disastrous during the winter, and may leave you stranded if the car does end up overheating. Your safest bet will be to flush out the coolant and install a fresh serving.

Seek Shelter For Your Car 

Owning a garage makes this a simple task. But sometimes people can neglect using their garage despite this. Prep your garage if it isn’t in the right state, and start parking your car in there regularly.

You can also invest in a car cover if you don’t own a garage. A cover won’t solve the problem entirely, but it’s a start.

Get Your Windshield Wipers Up To Speed 

Worn-out or hardened windshield wipers will be a nuisance when you’re driving through fog or snow. If you’re not sure, get the wipers checked by a professional.

Once you’ve made sure the wipers are up to the task, change your windshield wiper fluid to one that has anti-freeze in it.

Ready Your Wheels For The Cold 

Icy roads are another aspect of the winter that your car needs to be ready for. Swap out any tires that have insufficient tire treads. Tire chains are another way to get traction while you’re driving through ice or snow. The most fool-proof solution is to opt for snow tires for the winter.

Keep Warm Clothes In Your Trunk 

It’s a good idea to stock up on warm clothes so that you’re prepared for a crisis situation, like your car breaking down. Sometimes, you might even have to place tire chains on your wheels while you’re out in the cold, and warm clothing can preserve your health.

Plan Out An Emergency Kit 

Prevention is definitely better than cure, but you can never predict adverse situations. Ready an emergency kit for the winter. A few items you shouldn’t forget are a flashlight, battery operated radio, camping shovel, first aid kit, spare batteries for all your electronic equipment and a tool kit.

Have a few more tips on winter-proofing a vehicle? Share them with us in the comments.

5 Tips To Make Your Next Tank Last Longer!

When it comes to driving, we all know that gas is a necessity. Gas prices, however, are very unpredictable. One day they go up and the next day they go down, but one thing is for certain: gas prices are expensive. As of this week, the average national gas price in the United States is $3.58 for regular, which is a result of a two-cent increase over the past two weeks. Many people are having trouble making room in their budget to pay to fuel their vehicles, and as a result, people are turning to other modes of transportation. There are, however, ways to save on gas. Follow these five gas saving tips to make your next tank last longer:

1. Keep the windows closed

· Windows open increase drag and result in decreased fuel economy of up to 10%.

2. Use cruise control

· Maintaining a constant speed over long distances often saves gas.

3. Avoid heavy loads

· Clean out your vehicle – the more weight in the vehicle the more gas that is used.

4. Keep tires properly inflated

· Keep tire air pressure at the level recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. A single tire under inflated by 2 PSI, increases fuel consumption by 1%.

5. Do not accelerate or break hard

· By anticipating the traffic and applying slow steady acceleration and braking, fuel economy may increase by as much as 20%.

These are just a few EASY to follow tips to keep in mind in order to save on gas – and we all know, saving on gas is a priority!

Also, keep in mind that SpeedStop has two reward programs: the Speedstop Superticket and the BP Driver Rewards Card. Learn more about these FREE programs in our previous blog, or ask the cashier the next time you’re at one of our locations! What's stopping you from getting these instant savings??