7 Gas-Saving Moves To Make Before Your Next Summer Road Trip
Planning a summer road trip is supposed to be fun, but with gas prices soaring, it's more stressful than exciting. According to AAA, the national gas price is $4.29 a gallon and with those high costs, any extra driving for a vacation can break the bank.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to save when you hit the road this summer. Before you head out on your next adventure, here are seven tips to help you from digging deeper into your pocket to fill up.
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1. Check Tire Pressure Before You Leave
Checking tire pressure before a road trip isn't just for safety — it can save you money. Kelly Blue Book reported that underinflated tires reduce fuel efficiency and wear out faster. When tires are low, it puts more stress on the engine, which can waste gas. It's recommended you check the tire pressure at least once a month.
2. Avoid Aggressive Driving
Sorry, drivers with a lead foot. Driving fast, accelerating and breaking quickly can reduce your gas mileage by around 15% to 30% on the highway and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic, according to the Department of Energy. Going the speed limit can save $0.27–$0.54/gallon, per the site.
3. Stop Topping Off the Tank
Squeezing every drop of gas into your car to keep your tank full is common, but Consumer Reports advises against it because it can damage the vapor recovery system. Cars have an evaporative emissions system (EVAP) designed to capture gasoline vapors, not fuel. Overfilling can force gas into components like the charcoal canister, which can lead to expensive repairs.
Additionally, you're wasting gas. Firstly, it can spill onto the ground if your tank is too full. Secondly, when the pump clicks off, it means you don't need more, but if you top off, it can overflow into your vapor canister, potentially releasing unnecessary toxic gas. If it doesn't go into your tank, it defeats the purpose.
4. Use Gas Apps To Find the Best Deals
The first station off the interstate is usually the most expensive. Avoid them if you can, and instead use apps like GasBuddy and Waze to find the cheapest gas prices along your route.
5. Know Which Days of the Week Cost the Most at the Pump
Did you know that the day of the week you get gas matters for your wallet? Certain days are known to have higher prices. GasBuddy analyzed data and found the following:
Sunday is the cheapest
Monday is also cheap
On Tuesday and Saturday, the prices fluctuate, so compare prices
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are the most expensive days
"Gas prices don't just move based on global oil markets — they also follow a weekly rhythm," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, in a press release. "For most drivers, Sunday is the safest bet for finding lower prices, while filling up mid-week can mean paying more."
6. Watch How Long You Idle
There's a lot of information out there about how long you can idle before wasting gas, but according to a report from the Department of Energy, anything over 10 seconds is money out the window. Their research shows idling for longer periods can eat up more fuel than restarting your vehicle.
7. Take Advantage of Warehouse Discounts and Reward Programs
If you're a Costco or Sam's Club member, map out locations in advance so you can get more gas for less. Warehouse retailers are known to have lower costs. You can stack those savings with credit card rewards, since some cards offer extra points or cash back on gas purchases.
Fuel rewards programs can also help lower gas costs. Many grocery stores and gas station chains offer discounts per gallon when you shop regularly or use their apps. Programs from companies like Kroger, Shell and Exxon Mobil can add up to meaningful savings over a long drive.
Saving money on gas often comes down to preparation and driving habits more than major lifestyle changes. A few small adjustments before and during your road trip can help stretch your tank farther this summer.
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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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