Summertime means long weekends, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and days spent soaking in the sun. Unfortunately, it also means increased gas prices, and more miles on your car. Despite rising gas prices and increased travel during the summer, there are things you can do to lower the amount you are spending in gas. Let’s take a closer look at some ways to save this summer.
Consider your Vehicle
One of the biggest factors that determines your gas expenses is the type of vehicle you are driving. A large, low mileage vehicle is obviously going to cost you more in gas than a newer, more efficient one. If you are still driving around a mini van or truck from the early 2000s, consider replacing your vehicle for something more energy efficient, in the long run, your wallet will thank you!
Use Cruise Control
On long trips on highways, cruise control can quickly become your best friend. Cruise control maintains a steady speed in your car and reduces the amount of gas you are expending. On the flipside, if you are driving on highways with steep hills, turn off cruise control because it will actually cost you more gas to use it.
Take your Car in for Routine Maintenance
There are several car problems that can cause your car to use gas less efficiently that could easily be prevented with routine car maintenance. An example of this would be underinflated tires, which are an easy fix, and easy to maintain.
Drive Economically
Accelerating very quickly, and/or driving at very high speeds will significantly decrease your gas efficiency. When accelerating be careful to accelerate slowly and steadily, rather than quickly. Driving over sixty miles an hour lowers your fuel economy, so unless you are on a high speed highway, driving slower will save you gas and in turn, money.
Lose the AC
Air conditioning also increases the amount of gas being used while driving, so cruise instead with the windows down to save gas. If, however, you are driving at a high speed on a highway, the windows down causes drag, and makes your car expend more gas than if the air conditioning was on. When you are driving at lower speeds, keep the windows down to save gas, but at high speeds opt for the air conditioning instead for the most gas savings.
Be Mindful of Where and When you Get Gas
Last, but not least, carefully consider where you are getting gas. Some gas stations charge significantly more for gas than others, so choose wisely. One way to prevent yourself from having to get gas at a higher priced gas station, is to not wait until you are on empty to fill up, especially while traveling. By simply planning ahead you can save yourself a good amount of money over the course of the summer.
The summer months are filled with fun trips, errands and a lot of back and forth in the car, but that doesn’t mean your wallet has to take a big hit on gas for your car. These are some simple things you can do to save some money this summer, so you can spend it on the things you really want to.
