March 24, 2025
Planning a road trip and tired of watching your gas gauge drop faster than your excitement rises? Learn the expert tips and strategies to save fuel, money, and the environment while making the most of every mile.
Taking a road trip can be one of the most exciting and liberating experiences. From scenic routes and coastal highways to majestic mountain trails, there’s something magical about hitting the open road. But nothing puts a damper on your adventure like an empty gas tank and a drained wallet.
Fortunately, there are practical ways to boost your gas mileage and save money on long journeys.
Here’s how to get the most out of every gallon.
1. Choose the Right Vehicle for the Trip
Selecting a fuel-efficient car is your first step to enjoying a more economical road trip. While many vehicles today offer improved fuel efficiency, some models are particularly outstanding:
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Toyota Corolla Hybrid: Delivers up to 52 MPG combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient sedans on the market. Price range: $24,000 – $28,000.
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Honda Civic: Offers around 36 MPG combined, with a reasonable price range of $23,000 – $30,000.
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Hyundai Ioniq: A hybrid vehicle with an impressive 59 MPG combined, priced between $24,500 – $33,000.
If you own an SUV or truck, you can still optimize fuel efficiency by applying the techniques below. But starting with a fuel-efficient car gives you a significant advantage.
2. Lighten Your Load
Packing for a road trip can be challenging, but overloading your vehicle with unnecessary weight can negatively impact your gas mileage. For every 100 pounds of extra weight, fuel efficiency drops by approximately 1-2%.
Tips:
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Only pack what you truly need.
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Remove rooftop cargo boxes when not in use, as they increase aerodynamic drag.
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Keep your trunk organized and free of heavy, unused items.
3. Maintain a Consistent Speed
Cruise control is your friend on those long, open highways. Maintaining a steady speed reduces the amount of energy needed to keep your vehicle moving, thereby improving fuel efficiency.
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Driving at 65 mph instead of 75 mph can save up to 15% more fuel.
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Use cruise control on flat terrain, but avoid it on hilly areas where it can cause unnecessary acceleration.
4. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Keeping your tires at the recommended pressure can improve gas mileage by approximately 3%.
Checklist:
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Check tire pressure before you start your journey.
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Follow your vehicle’s recommended PSI (pounds per square inch).
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Inspect tires for signs of wear or damage that could impact performance.
5. Plan Your Route Smartly
Using navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze can do more than just keep you on track; they help you avoid traffic congestion, road closures, and construction zones that could waste both time and fuel.
Pro Tips:
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Plan your stops efficiently.
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Avoid peak traffic hours whenever possible.
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Look for routes with consistent speed limits for optimal fuel efficiency.
6. Avoid Excessive Idling
Idling wastes fuel and contributes to unnecessary emissions. In most vehicles, idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting the engine.
What to do:
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Turn off your engine during extended stops.
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If you’re waiting for someone, consider parking in a shaded area and opening windows instead of running the air conditioning.
7. Use Air Conditioning Wisely
While blasting the AC can feel great on a hot day, it can decrease fuel efficiency by up to 25%. To make the most of your fuel:
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Use the AC sparingly, especially at low speeds.
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At highway speeds, keeping windows closed and using AC is more efficient than driving with windows down, which creates aerodynamic drag.
8. Perform Regular Vehicle Maintenance
A well-maintained vehicle is a fuel-efficient vehicle. Keeping your car in optimal condition ensures you get the most miles per gallon.
Maintenance Tips:
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Change air filters regularly to improve engine performance.
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Use the recommended motor oil for your car.
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Keep your engine tuned up and address any issues promptly.
9. Drive Smoothly and Anticipate Traffic
Aggressive driving habits like rapid acceleration, hard braking, and high-speed driving can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 30% on highways and 40% in traffic.
How to Improve Your Driving Habits:
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Accelerate gradually and avoid sudden braking.
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Anticipate traffic signals and stop signs to maintain a smoother drive.
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Stick to the speed limit for the best balance of performance and fuel economy.
10. Fuel Up Smartly
Not all gas stations are created equal. You can save money and improve efficiency by choosing the right fuel and timing your refueling stops.
Tips:
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Avoid premium fuel unless your vehicle specifically requires it.
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Fill up during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, to get slightly denser fuel.
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Use gas price comparison apps to find cheaper options along your route.
Which Tips to Prioritize?
If you want to get the most out of your gas mileage, focus on:
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Keeping your tires properly inflated.
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Maintaining a consistent speed.
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Reducing excess weight in your vehicle.
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Planning your route to avoid traffic.
These strategies will help you save money and enjoy a smoother, more efficient drive.
Make sure you’re ready to go further for less.
