Saving on Fuel Costs During a Road Trip

Fuel economy has been a consumer concern for the past few years. Rising prices have lead many people to cancel vacation plans and to cut other costs just to make ends meet. With this widespread effort to save money, fewer people are considering a road trip as a reasonable financial possibility.

You don't need to cancel your travel plans in order to stick to your budget. By developing smart driving habits, you can conserve fuel while still enjoying the freedom of the open road. Here, we've outlined a few simple ways you can get the most out of your gas tank during a road trip.

Before You Leave on Your Road Trip

Extending the life of your gas tank starts before you leave home. To start your drive right, perform maintenance on your vehicle, and consider these other suggestions:

Plan an Efficient Route
Choose a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle
Warm the Engine for 30 Seconds
Inflate Your Tires to the Proper Limit
Remove Seasonal Tires
Change Your Oil
Check Filters and Fluids
Remove Excess Weight from the Trunk and Seats
Avoid Roof Storage Racks
Ask Friends to Share Costs

Fuel Cutting Costs On The Road

Once you've hit the road, you want to make the most of every mile. Smart driving habits can add up to real savings for every gallon of gas that you buy, so keep these additional cost-saving strategies in mind while you drive:

Obey the Speed Limit
Use Cruise Control
Use a GPS to Avoid Losing Time
Turn Off Your Four-Wheel Drive Option
Moderate Your Use of the Air Conditioner
Plan Around City Traffic
Minimize Brake Time
Avoid Revving Your Engine
Consolidate Errands
Avoid Rough Roads
Keep Sunroofs Closed

Fuel Savings At The Pump

You can't help the cost of fuel, but you can take steps to maximize your purchase. Stay in control of your price at the pump by learning simple ways to save. When you stop to fill up, try the following:

Fill Up in the Morning
Turn Off the Engine
Avoid Topping Off
Use the Appropriate Fuel Grade
Tighten the Gas Cap
Consider an AAA Membership for Additional Discounts
Park in the Shade During Stops

Once you've developed good fuel-saving habits, you'll really be able to see the difference in how far your tank will take you. For even more savings, try carrying these habits over into your everyday driving routine—you may be pleasantly surprised. For more road trip savings take a look at our eating on the road guidelines.