Long road trips can consume lots of gas for your car, but the truth is that you’re probably getting the best mileage at any point of driving that car. You might as well make sure to get the best mileage possible before your long road trip.
Here are a few ways to save on gas and increase your mileage when hitting the open road:
- Observe the speed limit, or lower – Most cars are designed for maximum fuel efficiency of around 60MPH. Anything you go over that will decrease your mileage. There’s no need to be the slowest person on the road, but cranking it up 10MPH over the speed limit is going to waste a lot of gas. Lay off the gas.
- Cruise control – As smooth a foot as you might think you have, the car is smoother. In areas where you can set it and go, engage the cruise control. Your car will work to get the best mileage for you.
- Make sure your tires are inflated – Under-inflated tires can cut your efficiency by 5%. That’s no small amount if you go on a road trip that uses 50 gallons of gas.
- Keep your windows closed – For shorter trips on city streets, using the A/C reduces your mileage. The opposite is true on the highway, because your open windows cause reduced aerodynamic efficiency at higher speeds. Keeping the windows closed and the A/C on will actually yield you better gas mileage.
- Follow your maintenance schedule – Get your oil and fluids changed per the manufacturer’s recommendation. Get things checked up when you should. Cars will run better when they’re taken care of, including getting better gas mileage.
These five steps won’t double your mileage, but added together, can make a big difference. Even a few miles per gallon can add up to a lot of gallons of gas not pumped into your car on a long road trip, leading to more money in your pocket.
Thank you for reading.