As gas prices are on the rise again {no doubt because most of us are planning our summer vacations}, I thought I’d offer a couple of quick tips on how to get the most out of your tank {and your summer travel} while still sticking to a budget.
When we road trip, gas is always a pretty good chunk of our budget. This may come as a huge shock, but I’m actually kind of frugal, 😉 and get a charge off of seeing how much I can save. Here’s the ways saved on gas in the past:
- Drive to your destination, but walk once you are there. Just because you have your car, doesn’t mean you are forced to use it. We have spent many vacations with our car parked in the hotel lot, while we take advantage of shuttle services and our own two feet.
- Stockpile your store loyalty points. If you shop at Safeway, or another chain that offers gas discounts for loyal patronage, stock up your points to get a couple of cents shaved off each gallon you purchase on your road trip. {Assuming the gas stations will be available wherever you are going…which is not always the case, but at least the first and last tank will offer some savings.}
- Make sure your car is in top shape before you head out. Make sure the oil change is current, the tires are inflated, and your air filters are clean.
- Don’t wait until empty to fill up. Waiting until empty means you will be at the price mercy of wherever you stop. Watch prices as you head down the highway and stop when you see a good one.
- Windows down, air conditioning off. Air conditioning is a gas suck–roll the windows down and make the most of the summer breeze. It will make your kids appreciate the good ol’ days…or at least give them something to complain about the next time they see their therapist. 🙂
- Plan your route. A lot of time, we like to make stops a long the way, but I always map out our route to be sure we are traveling the shortest distance possible. Less miles, less gas.
- Resist the urge to put the pedal to the medal. Somewhere in a florescent lit room, there are mathematicians that have calculated gas mileage for 55 mph, 65 mph, and 75 mph. They landed on 55 mph giving you the best gas mileage, so embrace your inner grandpa and slow down and enjoy the scenery.
- Check your car manual–it tells you what octane of fuel you need to use to get the best performance out of your car. Guess what? It’s very rarely premium grade.
Do you have any more tips to add?
Happy travels,
~Mavis
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Pam says
I don’t think rolling down windows always saves money. If I remember correctly, if you are going over 30 mph, it is best to have the windows up. Open window create too much drag and increase gas usage.
Heidi says
It is a myth that air conditioning waste gas in a car. What has been proven by Mythbusters is the Windows all the way down causes a drag and actually brings fuel economy down.
peggy k says
Living in the suburbs and driving into the city, they actually advise to keep windows up and doors locked. Windows open are a draw to thugs grabbing women’s handbags from the front seat (and let’s face it we put our handbags in the front seat or the floor in front of the front seat.). And to the prior comment open windows can drag the car back and who knows what gets sucked into the car. NYC, Philly Baltimore – keep your windows up and locked1 Also helps to prevent car-jackings.
Kyrie-Inn says
gasbuddy app is our fave!! and (hehe) it’s free!!
Mary Margaret says
Also with leaving the windows open on a long trip your UV protection is gone which can cause some nasty sunburns.
HollyG says
We saving tons of money on gas. Our car broke down and we ended up needing a new car. We looked around quite a bit and ended up with a 2013 Nissan Leaf. LOVE IT!
Gas Bill for June 2013 – – – $0.00 (we’ll have to see what happens to the electric bill though.
Cynthia says
Check with a website like Gas Buddy to see what prices are like in your area, especially if you travel for work. In a matter of minutes I can see whether I want to get gas at home before I leave for work or on the way home from work.
Mavis Butterfield says
Great idea Cynthia! Thanks.
Rosaleen says
Plan your route using Google Maps, MapQuest, etc., then look on-line at GasBuddy.com for best gas prices. You can actually map the stations with the best prices, then get their addresses. If you know about how many miles your car can travel on a tank of gas, you should be able to figure out where to stop for gas. Plug the address of the gas stations along your route into your GPS unit, mindful of your car’s tank size and mileage. If your tank isn’t quite big enough to make it past an expensive area, you should be able to figure out how much to buy, plus a safety margin, to get to the area with cheaper gasoline. Yeah, I travel pretty far at times. The mapping programs often also show where rest areas are, so you know where you can safely take a break along your route.
Diane says
Don’t wait until the last minute to pack, it will cause you to take too much stuff! Organize early to minimize extra weight which costs more in gas to haul it with you.
Try to have everything you pack serve multiple purposes.
If you have similar items, choose the one with the lighter weight. Make it a game or a contest to get the family to cooperate.
Once you start, it actually is kind of fun.
It will save on gas money!
Happy Traveling