It never seems to fail. Every holiday or season that’s busy with travel, the gas prices always skyrocket. Did you know you can save at the pump simply by changing some of your driving habits? Regardless of the type of car you drive, good driving habits along with the following tips will help you use less gas when traveling, which in turn will help you save money and help the planet, too.
Travel Light
One way to use less gas when traveling is to avoid overpacking and remove any unnecessary items in your car. Having extra weight in a vehicle creates more drag on the engine which in turn consumes extra gas. So the lighter the car, the less gas you will use.
Check the trunk and the back of your vehicle for any unnecessary items that could be stored elsewhere and remove them.
Watch Your Speed
Another way to use less gas when traveling is to avoid driving fast and at inconsistent speeds. The faster you drive the more gas your vehicle consumes. And while every vehicle is different, in most cases, the mileage decreases quite rapidly once you get over 50 MPH. So in order to save gas, stay right at or under the speed limit, and try to drive at a consistent rate of speed. If your car has cruise control, use it to help keep your speed consistent while on long road trips.
Avoid Aggressive Driving
While speeding drains the fuel, how aggressively you drive also has a direct effect on fuel consumption. Habits such as gunning the engine, putting the pedal to the metal, and jamming on the brakes are all major fuel wasters. To help use less gas when traveling, drive in a measured and moderate fashion and your best to avoid frequent starts and stops. Doing this is safer, too. 😉
Good Aerodynamics Help Use Less Gas When Traveling
Keeping the windows and sun/moon roof closed on the freeway is another easy way to use less gas while traveling. Just like excess weight causes drag, so does poor aerodynamics, especially at high speeds.
Avoid Too Much Idling
Did you know that idling uses up fuel — more than restarting the engine does? If you are having to wait in your vehicle for more than a minute or two, for example, if traffic is at a standstill due to an accident, then turn off the engine, and only start it up again when you’re ready to continue driving.
Keep Tires Properly Inflated
Another way to use less gas when traveling is to carefully inspect your tires and make sure they are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires are not only dangerous, but they also tend to decrease your fuel mileage. Before hitting the road, check your vehicles’ manufacturers’ recommendations and make sure your tires are inflated to the maximum PSI. You should also check for any signs of damage or low tread.
Perform Routine Maintenance
There are many mechanical factors can play into a car’s fuel efficiency, and a well-maintained vehicle will run at its very best. A few days before you leave on your trip, take your car to your dealership or another certified mechanic who can do a tune-up and check for any problems. For example, those readers who live near Woodbridge, VA, can schedule an appointment with the mechanics, and they will help make sure your car is road trip ready.
In addition, following your cars’ manufacturers’ recommended routine maintenance schedule will also help keep your vehicle in top driving shape.
In Conclusion
If you prefer to spend your money-making memories while on vacation, then use the above tips to help use less gas when traveling. A few simple changes can really make a big difference!