There are few things that fluctuate in price quite like the cost of fuel. Only a few short months ago, unleaded regular was selling at right around $2 a gallon in many parts of the country. Fast forward to today, and prices average nearly 80 cents higher at $2.78, according to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That’s a near full dollar below what it was during the same time last year.
Fuel prices are always something to be mindful of as everyone has some place to go. But with nearly 70% of Americans planning a vacation this summer, based on the latest Harris Poll, it pays to have conditions at the pump as affordable as possible. One of the ways you can do this is by turning your vehicle into a slow-fuel burning machine.
The following five tips are some of the ways that you can get the most out of your gas tank this summer as you make your way to your various destinations.
- Take advantage of the Internet
Many vehicles today are equipped with Wi-Fi capability, enabling road users to search the Internet for points of interest. There are a number of websites to visit and apps you can download that highlight where the cheapest gas prices are in your area. Examples include GasBuddy.com, FuelMeUp.com as well as GasPriceWatch.com. - Perform routine maintenance
The best way to get the most out of your vehicle is through maintenance. Chief among these important tasks is changing the oil. Generally speaking, you should have your car’s oil switched out for a fresh batch every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. This not only keeps your engine lubricated, but helps it to consume less gas. - Keep the air conditioner turned off
When temperatures are sweltering, nothing gets you cool quite like the air conditioner. But if the heat is tolerable, roll down the windows instead. While true, wind shear can cause drag, it’s significantly less than the fuel that’s consumed when the A/C is on. - Check air in tires
Tire maintenance is an important part of ensuring that you have a smooth ride, not to mention having plenty of tread to avoid hydroplaning on wet roads. But proper inflation is also key to gas mileage. For instance, when your tires are under-inflated, the extra surface area that results winds up using more fuel than it needs to. Check your owner’s manual or the sidewall of your tires to determine what PSI level your wheels should be at. Just 17% of drivers know how to properly check tire pressure, according to a poll done by the Rubber Manufacturers Association - Maintain consistent speed
Most highways in the country have a speed limit of 65 miles per hour. That may be the most conducive pace for the roads, but when it comes to gas mileage, the optimum is between 55 mph and 65 mph. Any faster than this and the amount of fuel that’s consumed increases sharply, as much as 40% more by some estimates.
If you have a road trip planned for the summer, auto insurance is just as important as gas prices – if not more so. Contact RC4 Insurance Agency, LLC to review the coverage you have so you can be protected in your travels.
Article from Selective Insurance Company
