Road trips are an increasingly common theme in summer planning, with a recent study showing that 49% of people plan to travel this year. With a large portion of the country reachable by automobile, your travel possibilities are practically limitless. However, your vehicle may need a lot of gas if you intend to travel by road. Are you concerned about the recent spike in gas prices? You can do the following to save money on gas for your upcoming trip.
- Use the right car
Choosing the appropriate automobile may make a major difference in saving money on fuel during a road trip. Look for a fuel-efficient vehicle with a good mileage rating. Also, consider the size of the vehicle and the number of passengers. A smaller automobile may be more fuel-efficient for a couple or someone traveling alone, but a larger car may be required for a family or group. If you have a large family, you may always go for a large SUV; however, you’re better off if you can all fit in your sedan. The lesson is to use the most fuel-efficient vehicle in which your belongings will fit and be easy on your pocket.
- Take it slow
Seeing fresh landscapes is one of the most enjoyable components of a road trip. But hitting 80 miles per hour will deny you some amazing vistas and consume your gasoline. For instance, if your automobile is designed to go about 55-60 miles per hour, exceeding that speed reduces efficiency by nearly a third. You increase your petrol price by about a dollar per gallon when you drive at top speed. Additionally, you put yourself in danger of being pulled over when you exceed the speed limit. So, why not slow down and take in the scenery? Aside from helping you save fuel, you also enjoy nature and have a relaxing trip.
- Shed some load
While bags and gear are necessary for a road trip, removing excess weight might help you save money on gas. According to the US Department of Energy, each extra 100 pounds in your car can lower your miles per gallon by around 1%. Adding more weight to the top of your vehicle is also not a good idea. For example, a big, blunt roof-top cargo box can lower fuel economy by 2% to 8% in city travel. You can expect at least a 6% decrease in fuel economy on the motorway and 10% at interstate speeds. Packing carefully and discarding unneeded goods will help you save gas money.
- Use apps to find less costly gas
Using apps to find less expensive gas during road trips can be a great way to save money on fuel costs. GasBuddy, for example, allows drivers to search for the cheapest gas prices in their area or along their route. AAA Mobile also combines route planning with a tool to find the cheapest gas prices during the trip and provide information on hotels, restaurants, and other points of interest. Additionally, more electric vehicle charging stations are being identified with mapping services, such as A Better Route Planner, making planning an electric-powered road trip easier. Using gas and electric vehicle charging apps allows you to keep fuel costs low and enjoy your road trips even more.
- Pick accommodation close to activities
Choosing lodgings near activities while on a road trip might be a fantastic way to save money on gas. Look for hotels near your intended activities, such as hiking trails or amusement parks, to reduce the travel required. This step not only avoids the need to travel great distances but also allows you to spend more time enjoying the activities and sites you came to visit. For instance, renting a cabin can be ideal since they are often located in scenic areas with access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing. Perhaps you’re planning a trip to Ontario. In that case, you can check accommodation options like cabin rentals Ontario to maximize your road trip experience by staying near attractions.
- Avoid overfilling your tank
It’s a good idea to keep pressing the nozzle until you get every last drop at the pump station. Yet, filling your tank to the brim can lead to spills or gas seeping right out. It’s best to stop pumping when the automated nozzle clicks off since the tank is full. If you keep filling your tank, the excess will leak or return the pump, wasting money you could use during the trip. In addition to avoiding overfilling your tank, correctly seal it to increase fuel economy and lower carbon emissions.