Whether you’re traveling the U.S. interstates or great back roads on your next vacation, one thing is certain: Americans love a road trip—just not the price of filling up. If you’ve filled your gas tank after Memorial Day, you’ve seen the prices creep up in the summer months. This happens for two reasons: stations sell a different fuel mixture to combat evaporation in the summer heat, and fuel demand increases as vacationers hit the open road for their favorite summer vacation spots.
Luckily, the following tips on how to improve gas mileage while driving can help you combat higher prices at the pump.
Maintaining correct tire pressure, clean oil and fresh spark plugs are a necessary step to increase gas mileage.
Get better MPGs with a well-maintained machine
A smoothly running vehicle is the first answer to the question of how to improve gas mileage on your next road trip. Whether the long drive ahead is for business or a relaxing getaway, following these guidelines to keep it in tip-top shape can help you get the best gas mileage.
Check your tire pressure and tread. Under-inflated tires, sometimes undetectable by the human eye, can increase friction with the road and cause an engine to work harder. This, in turn, uses more gas. Make sure your tires are kept at the pressure recommended by your manufacturer, which is usually listed inside the driver’s side door. Be sure to check your tire treads for wear as worn tires also require more gas to move the vehicle. Sufficient tread for a tire is no less than 2/32 of an inch.
Get an alignment. Potholes can wreak havoc on front-end alignment, and a car that’s pulling a little one way or the other is working harder on the road. In fact, improper alignment can reduce gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, which ultimately cuts into your summer vacation budget.
Stay on top of oil changes. Regular oil changes help keep the engine clean and running smoothly. If you’re concerned on how to save gas, it’s also important to make sure you’re using your vehicle’s suggested weight oil based on the make and number of miles on the odometer. It also never hurts to use the best quality oil as you’ll save money on gas and engine repairs in the long run.
Replace spark plugs. A tune-up is a great way to improve gas mileage. Make sure that your spark plugs are firing efficiently and not causing too much gas to enter the exhaust system, which can lead to inefficient engine performance.
Check the gas cap seal. The rubber on a car’s gas cap seal breaks down over time, and a loose seal allows air to leak in and mix with the gas. It’s recommended to replace the gas cap every few years to keep it tight.
Good driving habits aren’ just for new drivers—they’re also one of the best ways to save money on gas.
Use good habits at the wheel
Even with your car in tip-top shape and your road trip safety checklist complete, your driving habits have a big impact on improving gas mileage. Keep these tips on how to improve gas mileage in mind when you put your hands on the wheel.
Mind the speed limit. Fuel consumption goes up drastically with speed, with a noticeable drop-off in efficiency as you go above 55 mph. If your vehicle has cruise control, turn it on to keep a consistent speed. After all, some of the best road trips feature scenic views you won’t want to speed past.
Accelerate gently. Imagine a raw egg between your foot and the accelerator pedal to avoid accelerating too fast and wasting fuel. Using your vehicle’s cruise control feature, when available, to keep a consistent speed will also help you avoid quick or unnecessary acceleration — another great way to save on gas.
Brake smoothly. By anticipating stops and coasting up to them, you can avoid speeding toward stop signs and wasted fuel consumption.
Only run your engine when you need it. Don’t idle the engine to warm it up (this isn’t necessary with modern vehicles) or cool it down (a fuel-consuming luxury).
Remove extra weight. Pack light when possible and clear the back of any heavy day-to-day items you won’t need on your trip, which can hamper efficiency.
Bonus Savings: Get in On Mobile Gas Discounts
Keep in mind that saving gas isn’t just about efficiency; it’s also about finding best prices. Numerous fuel providers and mobile apps, like GetUpside, present drivers with cashback discounts and loyalty rewards based on where you fill up. Using your mobile device to quickly find the cheapest gas nearby can also help you get more miles for your buck.
Now that you know how to save gas and get more MPG’s, why not plan a last-minute road trip? We’ve got a few great ideas for places to go.
Ready to travel? Choose your destination and book a hotel.