Getting there may be half the fun, but it is probably also half the cost. Gas prices these days make up a big chunk of the vacation budget when you plan a road trip. Here are some ways that you can save money on gasoline and stretch your dollars.
Get Your Car in Shape
A well-running car can save you money because it tends to use less gas to go the same milages as a car that is not optimized. Some areas to check on your car include oil level, proper tire inflation, working spark plugs and good quality tires with a low rolling resistance. Dirty air filters may also affect gas milage in some cars, but not all. Don’t forget to replace a missing or broken gas cap which could be allowing your gas to escape through evaporation.
Change the Way You Drive
The way you drive can affect your fuel milage. The biggest difference is when you drive at a moderate speed. Driving at a speed of 55 miles per hour saves more gas than driving at 65 or 75. Your car’s fuel economy will drop even more with each increase in 5 miles per hour.
To reduce the cost of gas, you also want to drive as smoothly as possible. Frequent braking and acceleration burns extra gas, as well as extending the life of your vehicle. If your car has cruise control, take advantage of this feature ad use it to cut down on the amount of gas that you use.
Plan Out the Pit Stops
To reduce the time and gas needed driving around for food or a rest break, plan out all of your stops as much as you can. There are a few websites out there that will help you with this, such as Allstays.com.
Make sure, also, to keep up to date on traffic issues that might arise during your trip.
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