We're midway through the summer! That means road trips are in full swig and returning college aged children (and all their stuff) back to campus is just around the corner. Over the years, I've learned many ways to maximize fuel efficiency and make the most of my travels. Here are my top tips to help you save money on gas:
1. It Starts with Your Tires
Under-inflated tires can increase your fuel consumption by up to 3% due to increased rolling resistance.
Check your tire pressure at least once a month!
Refer to your owner's manual or the tire sidewall for the correct PSI.
Narrower tires can also improve aerodynamics, provided they fit your wheels properly and offer adequate traction for safety.
2. Avoid Rush Hour
Idling in traffic wastes more fuel than turning off and restarting your car.
Adjust your schedule to avoid rush hours to save both time and money.
During road trips, use peak traffic times to explore new cities, enjoy meals, or let kids burn off energy in parks before continuing your drive.
3. Watch Your Speed
Smooth driving improves fuel efficiency.
Use cruise control when possible and aim to maintain speeds around 50 mph on road trips—this is often the optimal efficiency range. According to a study by the U.S. Department of Energy, driving at 50 mph instead of 70 mph can improve your gas mileage by up to 17%.
Keeping your tank at least 1/4 full reduces strain on your fuel pump, maintaining efficiency.
4. Check your Engine
Addressing issues like a check engine light promptly can improve fuel efficiency by 20% or more.
Before road trips, ensure your vehicle is well-maintained—have mechanics check oxygen sensors, spark plugs, emissions, and air filters.
Monitor your fuel mileage between service visits; a significant drop indicates potential issues.
5. Road Trip Tips
Opt for a rear-mounted cargo box, which typically impacts fuel economy by 1-5%, over a roof-mounted one, which can reduce efficiency by up to 17%.
Minimize vehicle weight by removing unnecessary clutter.
Keep windows up on highways to reduce aerodynamic drag, and use air conditioning sparingly to lessen engine load.
What are your fuel saving tips? Email me here to share!
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