Oct 12, 2016

6448851501_e898c5d706_bWhether you’re planning a summer road trip or a weekend drive to see the fall colors, you want to maximize your gas mileage and spend less at the pump. Here are a few tips for getting more mileage on your road trip.

Drive at an Even Speed

Pressing hard on the gas and braking sharply uses a lot of gas. To cut down on your mileage, apply even pressure to the gas pedal and brake slowly and evenly. You can also decrease your speed to increase your gas mileage. The faster you drive, the more gas your car will burn.

Check the Tires

Before heading out on your trip, check to make sure your tires are inflated properly. Underinflated tires will cause your vehicle to use more gas. Keep in mind that when the temperature drops, the tire pressure will drop, too, so check them when the weather cools. You can keep a tire pressure gauge in the car for a quick check when needed.

Don’t Carry Excess Weight

Before heading out on a road trip, make sure you are not carrying unnecessary cargo. You also want to avoid using a rooftop cargo box. Strapping one of these to the top of your vehicle decreases the aerodynamics and results in lower gas mileage.

These are just a few of the things you can do to get the most out of a tank of gas. Just a few minor adjustments can make a big difference.

Image via Flickr by Rhubarbie