With the holiday season upon us, people across the country are planning road trips to visit family and friends. If money is already tight after crossing off your gift list, the last thing you want to waste your earnings on is gas while on the road. Whether you are traveling across the country or to the next town over, we are here to help you save money on gas. While we’ve posted about fuel mileage in the past, we’d like to focus more on how personal driving habits can affect how far you can make it on a single tank.
One of the main things you can do to get more miles per gallon is to pack light. Although you may be tempted to bring loads of luggage on long trips, try to avoid packing unnecessary bags. The heavier your vehicle is, the more gas it will take to get to your destination. Listen closely and you’ll be able to hear the added stress on your car. Try to bring only the essentials while still making sure you have everything you need to complete a safe and enjoyable trip.
While you’re on the road, it is important to avoid allowing your fuel get too low. Once your gas dips below a quarter of a tank, you may be putting extra strain on the pump. This will cause your vehicle to use more gas, which is never a good thing when you’re already close to running on fumes. At the same time, filling up completely adds extra weight to your vehicle, so it may not be a bad idea to fill up more often with less gas.
Another important tip is to resist the urge to drive way over the speed limit in an attempt to shorten your trip. In addition to keeping you and your loved ones safe, driving at a steadier pace can increase your gas mileage substantially. Ideal speed for fuel economy is right around most state speed limits, so stick to it whenever possible. Remember that accelerating and braking both use much more fuel than maintaining a steady speed. Therefore, taking full advantage of the cruise control settings in your vehicle can save gas by limiting wasteful fluctuations in speed.
Other minor tweaks can promote better fuel mileage for your vehicle. For example, most people have heard that proper tire inflation leads to better fuel mileage. However, using fuel efficiently depends most on your own habits. Pay attention to the way you drive and take steps to reduce fuel consumption and save money on road trips and daily commutes alike.
For more information about getting your vehicle in tip-top driving shape, get in touch with the team at AV Bumper-to-Bumper today!
Post by Ed Fawcett Jr
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