It’s tax season, which means it’s time to review your family’s spending for 2014. How much did you spend on family travel? How much did you spend on gas? Chances are you won’t want to cut back on those family vacations. But if you’re driving, you can cut back on the amount you spend on gasoline and other vehicle costs by following these tips:
1. Obey the speed limits. Speed limits don’t just keep you safer on the road. They help conserve fuel. Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph can reduce fuel economy by about 8 percent. Also, speeding can lead to accidents or speeding tickets that can boost your insurance premiums.
2. Relax in traffic. Some traffic is inevitable, but alternating between the accelerator pedal and brake pedal wastes even more gas. Try listening to soothing music and remember: The traffic eventually will ease up.
3. Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires are dangerous and inefficient, and their increased rolling resistance can greatly reduce fuel economy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, when all four tires are underinflated, fuel economy will be reduced by 0.3 percent for each pound of underinflation. Check your tires at least as often as your vehicle manufacturer recommends. Tire pressure recommendations can be found in your owner’s manual, or on a sticker on the trunk lid, doors or door frames. Always check tires when they are cold.
4. Obey the ‘see’ rule. Before you leave the interstate for the food or fuel you’ve seen advertised on a billboard, consider the “see” rule: If you can’t see the establishment or its sign from the interstate, keep on going. Chances are you’ll be driving at least a couple of miles to find that food or fuel. A GPS or smartphone app can also tell you how far it is to the next gas station or restaurant.
For more tips on better road trips, read 21 Road Trip Tips on TravelingMom.com, the online resource for moms who travel with and without their kids.