With the cost of fuel on the rise, now is the time to save. We’ve got 10 fuel-saving tips to help you save money and increase your MPG when on the road. Couple this article with our RV Driving Tips and you’ll be an RV driving pro the next time you head out on a trip.
10 Fuel-Saving Tips
Properly Inflate Your Tires
Not only are properly inflated tires safer, but they last longer and can improve your gas mileage by more than 3 percent per tire. That savings can really add up over the life of a tire.
Avoid Gas Stations Near Major Highways
Gas stations near major highways, while convenient, often charge more because land is generally more valuable in those locations, increasing the station’s overhead costs. If you can afford to, head into town and look for a station further down the road. Even a mile from the highway can make a big difference in savings.
Fill Up Near State Lines
If you have no choice but to fill up near the highway, look for stations near state borderlines. Gas Stations want your business before you leave the state, so they tend to price their gasoline less aggressively.
Get the GasBuddy App
GasBuddy is our favorite way to find the best fuel prices as we travel, and that is no sponsored joke. Search for brands, fuel types, see updates from users, prices, and more. As we traveled through Texas shortly after the massive freeze that struck the state, we were able to see up-to-date reviews from other travelers letting us know if a station was out of fuel or not. It was invaluable.
Fuel Savings Cards
Almost every gas station has one now, and as long as you don’t mind having an entire wallet dedicated to just fuel and grocery store saving cards, this could be a good option. If you’re a diesel owner, look into the TSD Logistics card.
Costco
A Costco membership for fuel alone pays for itself over and over as long as you have fairly decent access to a store as you travel around. Costco fuel can over be 20, 30, or even 40 cents cheaper than the gas station just down the street making the base-level membership worth it.
Slow Down
Although every vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at different speeds, gas mileage often decreases rapidly over 60 mph. The difference between driving 70 mph and 63 mph can result in a 10% fuel savings. It’s worth it to slow down.
Ditch the Cruise Control on Hills
Cruise control doesn’t know when you’re reaching the top of a hill so it will accelerate until it suddenly needs to pull back because you’re going down the hill. This action burns fuel faster and is less efficient. If possible, only accelerate before you reach the hill, not while you’re on it.
Don’t Idle Your Engine
Even on cold mornings, avoid warming up your engine at idle. It seems too simple to make an impact but remember, an engine that idles is just burning fuel.
Don’t Use Your Brakes
Don’t worry, we aren’t literally saying you shouldn’t use your brakes. Brakes are a good thing. But you can find ways to ease up on them by making a game out of not having to use your brakes unnecessarily. If you’re driving the speed limit, traffic lights are mostly timed to your advantage. By traveling at the speed limit, you increase your chances of getting more green lights. Pay attention to the lights, including the walk signals, and try to anticipate whether they’ll turn green or red by the time you get there. This will allow you to adjust your speed, and perhaps not have to come to a full stop. Remember, it takes more fuel to get a vehicle moving than it does to keep it moving.
Those are our 10 fuel-saving tips, but what would you add? Let us know in the comments below.
