13 Dec Maximizing Gas Mileage on Your Family Road Trip
Planning a family road trip is half the fun. What must-see sites will you stop at? What quirky hotels will you stay in? What cool regional restaurants will you stop at for lunch? A long drive and the open road signify freedom, fun and togetherness, and a rough plan helps bring everything together. However, things can get costly, especially with all the money you’ll be spending on gas (a.k.a. petrol).
Those dollars will add up quickly with all the miles you’ll travel. Thankfully, there are several ways to keep your expenditures in check. Consider these tips to use before you go and while on the road to maximize your car’s fuel efficiency and make every mile count.
Things to Know Before You Go On Your Family Road Trip
There are several things you can do to boost your fuel economy before even pressing down on the gas pedal. Take these steps to set you up for a successful family road trip.
Get a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle
It all starts with your car. Driving a vehicle that gets optimal gas mileage (especially a hybrid) is one of the best ways to ensure you make the most of gas mileage on your trip. You’ll want something roomy enough to fit all your gear that’s also known for its outstanding mpg. Top choices include the Kia Niro with its 53 mpg rating or the Kia Sportage Hybrid at 43 mpg. Other solid ones include:
- Lexus UX Hybrid: 42 mpg
- Honda CR-V Hybrid: 40 mpg
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: 40 mpg
- Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid: 40 mpg
- Lexus NX 350h: 39 mpg
- Toyota Venza: 39 mpg
Check Your Tire Pressure
Under-inflated tires can affect your fuel economy and also reduce performance and longevity. Inflating them to the recommended pounds per square inch can save about 11 cents per gallon on fuel. However, only 19% of drivers do this, essentially throwing money away.
Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations and invest in a quality pressure gauge to ensure your tires are not under- or over-inflated. It’s important to do so before every long road trip so your car is prepared for highway driving.
Ditch the Rooftop Carriers
It’s tempting to pack all your luggage and other gear in rooftop carriers to free up more room inside your vehicle. However, this will take a toll on your gas mileage. A fully loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5% due to increased aerodynamic drag. Instead, pack your luggage inside the car, taking full advantage of your trunk, empty seats and floor space.
Invest in Quality Gas
Sometimes you have to spend money to save money, and that theory applies to the fuel you’re putting in your car. Look for Top Tier gas at top gas stations to improve engine performance and clean out deposits. AAA found that Top Tier brands left 19 times fewer intake valve deposits than regular options. This buildup can reduce fuel economy, increase emissions and negatively impact vehicle performance, so opting for better gas can really pay off.
Things to Know When On the Road
Getting prepped is only half the battle. Employ these driving techniques to help improve gas mileage on your road trip and stretch your vacation dollars.
Obey the Speed Limit
Stick to the speed limit when driving on the open road. You may be tempted to go faster to reach your destination if you’re ready for a break or your toddler is acting up, but it’s not worth it.
Research has found that driving within the 56 to 62 mph range can reduce fuel consumption. One trucker said that he improved his fuel economy by 1-2 mpg by slowing down. However, you don’t want to go too far under the speed limit for safety reasons…just be sure you don’t exceed it.
Drive Smoothly and Evenly
Avoid hard acceleration and braking whenever possible, and once you get up to cruising speed, maintain your rate. Aggressive driving wastes fuel and can reduce fuel economy by 15%-30% on the highway and 10%-40% in stop-and-go traffic. Instead, drive smoothly and keep pace with traffic.
Use Cruise Control
One of the easiest ways to maintain your speed on the highway is by using your car’s cruise control system. It is especially effective on long and flat stretches of road or on steady uphill or downhill grades. The reasons it is ideal include:
- Eliminating inconsistent driving
- Maintaining optimal speed
- Reducing throttle adjustments
These driving practices boost your fuel economy. Plus, setting your car on cruise control means you don’t even have to think about it.
Keep Your Tank Half Full
Racing to find a gas station when your tank is approaching empty is both a fuel waster and a stress inducer – things you want to avoid while on a family road trip. Eliminate the anxiety by keeping your tank at or near the halfway mark. Doing so will pay off during bad weather, traffic accidents or a busy and congested holiday travel weekend.
Download Gas Station Apps
Save money at the pump by downloading gas station apps that can direct you to the places with the best prices. Apps like GasBuddy can direct you to fueling locations along your route.
Turn Off the AC
Reconsider your use of air conditioning in your car. Do you really need it if it’s 26° C or 80° F outside and you’re cruising through a scenic town? Part of the appeal of the open road is a cracked window that provides fresh outside air and a cool, comforting breeze.
An AC system’s effect on gas mileage can range from 3% to as much as 10%, depending on various factors. However, you’ll only want to open your windows at lower speeds to prevent drag. On the highway, use the air recirculation feature to conserve fuel.
Maximize Your Gas Mileage to Make the Most of Your Trip
Follow these tips to improve your vehicle’s fuel economy to save money on your next family road trip. Doing so will boost your budget, help the environment, and add to your comfort levels by eliminating anxiety on the road. You’ll be doing your part to make your vacation affordable and memorable while heeding the call of the open road.
Author bio: Jack Shaw is a freelance lifestyle writer and dedicated traveler. His writing focuses on exploring the food, culture and beautiful views of wherever life decides to throw him. Stories of his travel can be seen in Modded, Trekaroo, The Travel Magazine and more. Jack has a love of all things outdoors, and spends much of his free time taking on local hiking trails and state parks.
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