By Rick Delgado
Whether you’re sightseeing in a new city for the first time or visiting one of your favorite getaway spots, filling up your tank all the time is a hassle and takes a lot of money. Be sure to follow these eight quick and easy tips to help you save on gas and ultimately have more time and money for your road trip.
Use A Fuel-Efficient Vehicle
Driving a vehicle designed for fuel efficiency is a great place to start when hoping to save gas on your getaway. If you have the option to chose between two vehicles for your road trip, opt into using whichever vehicle gets more miles to the gallon. Driving a fuel-efficient car, such as the Toyota Corolla LE, could really improve your gas efficiency throughout your entire trip.
Pump Up Your Tires
If you leave your tires underinflated, it will take more energy for your vehicle to move and therefore require more gas. For every drop of 1 PSI in the average air pressure of your tires, you can expect your gas mileage to lower by about 0.2%. Keeping your tires filled with the right amount of air will improve your fuel efficiency.
Spare Some Space
Make sure you only pack what you need. It’s estimated that for every extra 100lbs loaded in your vehicle, you lose 1-2% fuel efficiency. The extra weight in your vehicle will slow it down and use up more gas than you want. Also, don’t leave unused racks on your car, such as bike racks and luggage racks. These will create drag and lower your fuel economy.
Get A Tune Up
Not only does keeping your car in good working condition improve its overall performance, but getting a tune up before your big road trip can improve your gas efficiency by 4%. Be sure to check that your mass airflow sensors, air filters, and fuel filters are properly cleaned (which can improve your fuel efficiency up to 10%). Regularly replace spark plugs and oxygen sensors in your vehicle for a more efficient drive.
Check Your Alignment
Not only does poor alignment put more wear and tear on your tires, it can decrease your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. You can’t expect to get the most out of your gas tank if you are constantly adjusting your steering. With your tires aligned your engine won’t have to work as hard and you can expect to see a 10% improvement of your fuel usage.
Avoid Idling
While waiting for your friend to take a quick restroom break, make sure you turn off your engine. Idling is bad for the environment and can unnecessarily waste your gas. You can expect to save 1 cent per gallon for every three minutes you avoid idling.
Time It Right
If you are taking your road trip during the summer, it’s best to drive during the cooler hours of the day. Driving when the air is cooler and denser can boost your vehicle’s power and improve your gas mileage. Also, when driving on the highway, choose to use your air conditioning to cool your vehicle instead of having the windows rolled down. Open windows can create a drag effect and cause your engine to work harder and use more fuel.
Control Your Cruise
With the help of a little cruise control, you won’t waste gas while driving long stretches on the highway. By engaging your car’s cruise control, you will increase the fuel efficiency of your car. Constantly accelerating and braking to maintain the same speed while driving can increase your gas consumption by 35% and will unnecessarily burn through your gas. Cruise control can make these adjustments automatically and more efficiently than the driver. Setting your cruise control at an appropriate speed can also improve your fuel efficiency. You can reduce your fuel consumption by 7% for every 5 miles per hour reduction in highway speed.
With these gas saving tips you’ll be sure to improve your fuel efficiency. You’ll enjoy your road trip by not wasting time looking for a gas station and spending more time doing the things you love.
Image Credit: Blue Diamond Gallery
Rick Delgado
Author: Rick Delgado
Email: ricknotsodelgado@gmail.com
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Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
