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Google Maps gives away free gas, hamburgers

Posted at 7:31 PM, Jul 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-23 21:53:01-04
Gas prices around Las Vegas are currently averaging $2.48 a gallon, but if you're on Interstate 15 this weekend, you might be able to gas up for free.
 
Google Maps is giving away gas in Nipton.
 
The Shell station at exit 272 gave drivers up to 10 gallons for free between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday.
 
With the giveaway, Google is promoting a new feature in their Maps app that allows drivers to see the price of gas at every nearby station.
 
"[It's] so you're not stuck getting something you don't want and we can make your road trip a little bit better, a little bit more fun, a little bit more streamlined," said Drew Hendrickson, a Google marketing employee.
 
Cars lined up for the free gas Saturday, with an average wait time of 20 to 30 minutes.
 

Gas at the Cima Road Shell normally costs $3.99 a gallon. Most people didn't have a problem waiting for nearly $40 in savings.

"It's definitely refreshing, especially with companies like this that are so big and if they have the time and they definitely have the money to do it, why not?" said Jess Martinez, who is driving to Montana.

 
Google is relying on word-of-mouth and social media to let people know about the promotion.
 
Brand ambassadors at the gas station encouraged everyone who filled up to take a picture and post it with the hashtag #MapsRoadtrip.

 
But that's not all. Google is also offering free hamburgers at Peggy Sue's diner in Yermo, and free iced coffee in Baker.