10 Ways to Save Money on Gas During the Summer

With summer road trips, vacations, and higher car gas prices often hitting simultaneously, many drivers feel the pinch at the pump. Fortunately, there are several easy and effective ways to stretch your fuel dollars during the hotter months. Here are 10 practical tips to help you save money on gas this summer.

1. Drive Smoothly and Avoid Rapid Acceleration

Sudden starts and hard braking waste fuel. Accelerate gradually and try to anticipate traffic conditions to avoid unnecessary stops. Smooth driving can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 30% on the highway and 10% in city traffic.

2. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, requiring your engine to work harder. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and keep it at the recommended PSI listed in your vehicle’s manual or on the door frame.

3. Use the Air Conditioning Wisely

While it’s tempting to blast the AC in the summer, it can reduce fuel efficiency. Use the AC on the lowest comfortable setting or use your car’s ventilation system. When driving at lower speeds, consider rolling down the windows instead.

4. Avoid Idling for Long Periods

Modern engines are designed to use less fuel when restarted than when idling for several minutes. If you’re stopped for more than 60 seconds (especially in line or parked), turning off the engine is more fuel-efficient.

5. Plan and Combine Trips

Multiple short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a single, longer multi-stop trip. Plan your errands so you can do them all in one go, saving time and gas.

6. Lighten the Load

Extra weight in your car, especially in the trunk or on the roof, can reduce fuel economy. Remove unnecessary items, and if you’re using a roof rack or cargo carrier, take it off when it’s not needed to reduce aerodynamic drag.

7. Use Cruise Control on the Highway

Using cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, which can save fuel. It’s particularly effective on flat highways where your speed doesn’t need to fluctuate much.

8. Avoid Rush Hour Traffic When Possible

Stop-and-go traffic burns more gas than steady cruising. Try to drive during off-peak hours, use traffic apps to avoid congestion, and take alternative routes to bypass bottlenecks.

9. Choose the Right Octane Fuel

Unless your car specifically requires Oregon premium fuel, using regular unleaded is fine and significantly cheaper. Higher-octane gas doesn’t improve fuel economy or performance in most vehicles.

10. Maintain Your Vehicle Regularly

A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Keep up with oil changes, replace air filters, and ensure your spark plugs and fuel system are in good working order.

By making these smart adjustments and staying mindful of how you drive, you can ease the impact of summer fuel prices and keep more money in your pocket, all while helping your vehicle perform better and last longer.

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