Ways to Improve Fuel Economy on a Road Trip

Are you already planning your summer road trip for when you are once again able to travel away from home and enjoy the open road? Unfortunately, your vehicle can require a large amount of fuel to get to your destination. But we have a few tips to share with you that may help extend each gallon a bit on your trip, so you can enjoy the road, not rest stops!

Check your tires

Having the correct amount of tire pressure in your tire can help you save fuel. If your tires are underinflated, your fuel economy can be negatively affected. Before your trip, make sure all of your tires are at the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Some newer model cars include pressure monitors that alert you when you need to inflate your tires, although the recommended PSI should be in the owner’s manual and inside the driver’s side door. Even a cheap pencil-type gauge at the auto parts store will be accurate enough to help you keep an eye on things.

Be cognizant of your speeds

All vehicles reach optimal fuel efficiency at different speeds, though gas mileage usually decreases largely after 55mph. Sticking to the speed limit can save you fuel while you take the time to enjoy the sights along your route. If you are using cruise control in particularly hilly areas, keep in mind it may not be able to accurately adjust your speed, causing the car to still be accelerating as it crests the hill right at the point a driver would be easing up on the accelerator pedal. So you may need to turn off cruise control to better maintain your speed.

Drive Smart

Stopping quickly and accelerating too quickly wastes precious gas in your vehicle. Aggressive driving behaviors, including sudden acceleration and braking can lower your gas mileage exponentially. Being particularly aware of the timing of traffic lights and stop signs can help you anticipate stops. At traffic lights, you may even avoid having to come to a complete stop, if you are able to roll slowly toward the intersection and ease your foot onto the accelerator pedal as the line of traffic starts moving. Easing into and off the gas pedal can improve your fuel efficiency.

Decreasing your load

We understand that suitcases and gear are essential to travel, but shedding any unnecessary weight can increase your fuel efficiency. Do you need that snow shovel and kitty litter in the trunk when there won’t be any snow in your area for a few months? Careful packing and shedding those unnecessary items will save you money on fuel, and it might even add more space for your passengers.

Overfilling the fuel tank

You are not alone in thinking it’s a great idea to keep clicking the nozzle at the gas pump to get every drop possible. But the reality is that fuel in an overfilled tank can splash out of the fuel tank’s filler neck. Overfilling that gas tank also creates the possibility for the gas to be vaporized, or even cause damage to the vehicle’s vapor emissions-control system’s charcoal canister, which is designed to absorb vapors, not raw gasoline, that will later be burned in the engine.

Get ready to hit the road!

We are just like you, and we cannot wait to get on the road this summer and travel to our favorite recreational destinations. Have more drive time and less gas-pumping time and follow these tips! Go out and enjoy the open road and be safe!

About Secaucus Auto Body

Secaucus Auto Body is a locally owned and operated auto collision repair shop providing dependable auto collision repair and paint service to customers throughout Secaucus, N.J. and the surrounding areas since 1990. Our 1,500 square-foot, state-of-the-art repair facility, coupled with our 400 square-foot office provides customers the facilities they need to relax while we work on their vehicles. We offer a relaxing customer waiting area with sofas, snacks and friendly dog trio, Killer, Gucci and Juno to keep you company.