Keep Your Driving Costs Down
This Summer
With summer here many of us are thinking about taking a road-trip or a vacation. However, fuel prices are so high that it may seem impossible to keep your traveling expense affordable. Don't despair! There are some tried and true tips for you to take that trip and still have some spending money when you get there!
· Check your tires. Under-inflated tires are a safety hazard and will reduce your fuel economy. Be sure to check your tire pressure before you start a long trip.
· Lighten your load. More weight translates to lower gas mileage. And although you have to pack for your trip you should clean out unnecessary items before you load the trunk.
· Go cruisin'. If your vehicle is equipped with Cruise Control use it! One website (www.edmunds.com) states that using cruise control at highway speeds can save you an average of 7% overall!
· Windows vs. air conditioning? The myth that using air conditioning will ruin your fuel economy has been busted! Several studies show that overall using your air conditioning has only a negligible effect on your gas mileage. The same is true for driving with your windows down. Yes, it creates drag, but the effect is so small it just doesn't have an impact. So use what is comfortable and don't worry about the temperature.
· Keep it steady. Rapid starts and stops will ding your wallet and it isn't safe. Try to avoid revving the engine or accelerating too fast from a stop. It wastes fuel and is unnecessary. In city driving it's almost impossible to avoid frequent stops so try to avoid "Business Loops" while on your trip.
· Obey the speed limit. Drivers who consistently drive over the speed limit are losing between 15 and 98 cents per gallon! That can really add up so take your time and follow the speed limit.
There's no reason to cancel your vacation or to finance it with a second mortgage. You can still enjoy those weekend road-trips and those Route 66 vacations if you plan ahead. So put the top down and turn the radio on!