Many people are avoiding long summer trips this year due to rising gas prices. But if you don’t want a “staycation” and would rather hit the road this summer, even for a shorter getaway, there are things you can do to save money on your fuel consumption.
Don’t be a Pedal Pusher: Harsh acceleration and braking may cut fuel economy by a whopping 25%! Slow down, ease off the gas pedal before the stop sign and use gentle acceleration when restarting.
Rethink the Rooftop: Racks and bins add to air drag, even when empty. But empty rooftop bins and racks only cut fuel economy by about 1%, while filled bins and racks could take a big 21% of your fuel economy away!
If You Don’t Need It, Leave It: Packing light pays off! Each 100 lbs. of weight added to your car cuts into your fuel savings by 2%. Take only what you need.
Consider Park and Tour Destinations: Camping or other trips where you can park and head out on foot or another form of transport can give you a great change of pace and help you save on fuel costs too.
Maintenance Musts: Make sure all the parts of your vehicle are operating efficiently before heading out on a road trip. A dirty engine can require up to 5% more fuel, so check engine oil. The air filter should also be checked since a dirty one can mean that up to 7% more fuel is needed.
Also make sure fluids are changed. Worn transmission fluids can add up to 5% more in fuel costs. Making sure you have the correct tire pressure is an important summer road trip tip since this alone will save you up to 12% in excess fuel costs!
Tags: gas saving, vacation