Ways To Improve Your Gas Mileage In The Summer

If you learn new ways to improve gas mileage, you could bank significant savings this summer.

When your car is your main mode of summer travel, finding ways to cut the fuel bill can give you extra money for dining out and exploring at your destination.

Here are the top suggestions on how to improve gas mileage and fatten your wallet in the summertime:

Pack Light

Only pack the bare minimum. If you’re going camping, wait to buy food until you’re almost at your destination. Don’t pack five pairs of shoes when you know you will only need two. Following all of these tips can add up at the pump.

When you add a roof cargo bag to your car, you’re sacrificing fuel economy in a big way. The decreased aerodynamics take a toll, causing your fuel economy to drop by up to 25 percent when traveling on the highway. Take the cargo bin off and you could save up to 40 cents per gallon.

Take it Slow

You’re in a hurry for vacation to start, but don’t drive aggressively. Rapid acceleration and sudden braking also drain your fuel tank. You could increase your fuel economy by 33 percent, saving up to 78 cents per gallon if you focus on gradual acceleration and slow braking.

Similarly, staying true to the speed limit will help you save money. Once you’re traveling over 50 mph, your fuel economy drops quickly. Stay at or just under the speed limit by using cruise control and you could save up to 33 cents per gallon.

Avoid the A/C

It’s a common tip that’s passed around: Put your windows down and turn off your car’s A/C to improve gas mileage and save money! According to tests, this is mostly accurate, depending on the type of car you drive and how fast you’re going. 

When you’re driving below 75 mph, rolling down the windows is a more fuel-efficient way to keep cool. When you’re driving over 75 mph, it’s more fuel-efficient to run the A/C, unless you’re driving a large SUV, which is harder to keep cool because there is more space.

The moral of the story is: If it’s a hot day, drive slower and open your windows. If you have to use your A/C, keep it on low.

Get a Vehicle Tuneup

You can improve gas mileage before you start out on your trip by taking your car to a service station. Clean or replace the air and fuel filters. Make sure the tires are fully inflated. Check spark plugs for wear, replacing them if necessary.

The minor costs involved with a basic tuneup can pay off at the pump. Not to mention, taking care of your car will help it run smoother and stay more dependable throughout your travels.

Stay focused and improve your gas mileage with these tips, but don’t forget to bring along the contact information for Stauffer’s Towing in case you break down, run out of gas or need roadside assistance on your trip — our team is ready to help 24/7.