From trips to see family and friends to the perfect vacation getaway, road trips are a common theme of summer plans. With a wide expanse of the country accessible by car, your destination options are nearly endless. Unfortunately, your vehicle can require a large amount of fuel to get there. You can help save money on gas by making each gallon stretch a bit longer with these six road trip tips.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Maintaining the correct pressure in your tires is not only safe, it can help you save money on gas. Over or under-inflated tires can negatively affect your fuel economy, so before your trip, make sure your tires are at the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (pounds per square inch).1 Because tire pressure is affected by temperature, it is recommended that you check your tire pressure in the fall and winter months when average temperatures tend to be lower.2 You can check the PSI in your tires by using a handheld tire gauge which can be purchased in most auto shops. The recommended tire pressure is usually printed on the inside of your driver’s side door. Some newer models of vehicles even provide pressure monitors that alert you when your tires need inflation attention.
Read more about how to fill your tires with air.
Shed Some of the Load
While suitcases and gear are an essential part of the road trip, shedding any extra weight can help increase your fuel efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that an extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG (miles per gallon) by about 1%.3 Adding the extra weight on top of your vehicle isn’t a great option either. A large, blunt roof-top cargo box, for example, can reduce fuel economy by around 2% to 8% in city driving, 6% to 17% on the highway, and 10% to 25% at interstate speeds.3 Thoughtful packing and shedding unnecessary items can help you save money on gas. And if you regularly keep heavy items in your trunk or on the floor of your car, see if you can find a new place for them at home before your road trip. It could save you money on gas and make it easier to find the things you need on your trip.
Learn what to pack for an emergency roadside toolkit.
Compare Gas Prices
Checking gas prices before you pull up to the pump can help you find the best fuel price. The difference between gas prices in any state or even within a single city can vary significantly – and when you’re refilling your tank on a road trip, that can add up.4 With a little internet research on your tablet or smartphone, you can plan ahead and save on gas when you need to refuel.
Drive Smarter and Safer
Quick stops and zooming ahead needlessly wastes the gas in your vehicle’s tank. Oak Ridge National Laboratory reports that aggressive driving behaviors like sudden acceleration and breaking can lower your gas mileage by roughly 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.6 Being aware of your surroundings and the timing of lights can help you anticipate stops and starts sooner. Easing off and onto the gas pedal can ultimately improve your fuel efficiency and save you money on gas.
Stop Overfilling the Tank
You may think it’s a great idea to keep clicking the nozzle at the gas pump until you get every drop possible, but the reality is that fuel in an overfilled tank can slosh or seep right out. When the automatic nozzle clicks off, stop pumping because your tank is full. When you keep adding more fuel to your gas tank, the excess drains off or goes back into the pump itself, wasting gas money. 5 When you stop overfilling your tank and seal it properly, you’ll maximize fuel efficiency while reducing carbon emissions.
Want even more tips on how to save money on gas?
Did you know you can use your Synchrony Car CareTM credit card at gas stations nationwide across all major gas brands*?
* Subject to credit approval. Gas station purchases are not eligible for promotional financing. Visit www.mysynchrony.com/carcare to find gas locations where Synchrony Car Care is accepted in the U.S., including Puerto Rico.