Keep Your Driving Costs Down This Summer
With summer here many of us are thinking about vacation, but fuel prices are so high that it may seem impossible to keep road-trip expenses affordable. Here are some tried and true tips for you to take that trip and still have some spending money when you get there.
Mind your maintenance. A well-tuned car burns less gasoline, so get your oil and air filters changed regularly. Not sure if your filter needs changing? Take it out and hold it up to the light. If you can't see any light coming through, it's too dirty. It's also important to check your tire pressure monthly. (You'll get the most consistent results by using your own gauge when the car is cold.) Americans driving on under inflated tires waste 4 million gallons of gas a day and reduce the lifespan of their tires.
Clear out the clutter. According to the Department of Energy, every 100 pounds you carry inside your car lowers its fuel economy by 1-2%. So if you don't need it on the trip you’re taking, don't have it in your trunk.
Rethink the roof rack. A roof rack or carrier provides additional cargo space and may allow you to meet your needs with a smaller car. However, a loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5 percent. Reduce aerodynamic drag and improve your fuel economy by placing items inside the trunk whenever possible.
Don't drive like my brother. Fast, aggressive driving is a big fuel waster. Try to maintain a constant speed--most cars reach peak efficiency while cruising steady between 55 and 60 miles per hour--and avoid rapid acceleration and braking, which can increase fuel consumption by as much as 40 percent. (And make everyone else on the road hate you.)
Keep your cool. Need relief from the heat? Consumer Reports recommends using the air conditioner if you're going faster than around 40 miles per hour, since a lot of engine power at high speeds goes to reducing drag. When you're cruising around town, it's more efficient to keep your windows open.
Think different. Could some of your short trips be made on public transportation, or by walking or riding a bike? Combining trips also helps, as does carpooling with friends.Find the lowest gas price. Instead of driving around to find the lowest gas price, look online! Try www.chicagogasprices.com or www.gasbuddy.com.
