Get the Most Out of Your Gas Dollars

If planning an affordable trip through the careful reviewof cheap traveloptions, such as cheapairplane tickets, cheap auto rentals, and cheap vacation packages isimportant to you, then you should make yourself aware how to lower the cost ofgas on a trip.

Whether you will be driving to your destination from home,or simply picking up a car rental when deplaning, there are simple steps youcan take to increase your cars fuel efficiency by as much as 40 percent anddecrease your cost of gas by 20 cents or more per gallon. The following are tips on how to achieve suchsavings:

• Properlyinflated tires improve gas mileage by over 3 percent. Studies have found that only 17 percent ofcars have all four tires at the proper pressure. To find out your tires optimal pressure, lookat your cars door jamb or in the owners manual.

• Packlight. An additional 100 pounds in yourcar can reduce the miles per gallon by as much as 2 percent.

• Do notuse a roof rack since a loaded roof rack adds drag, decreasing fuel economy byas much as 5 percent.

• Driveefficiently. For every five mph over 50mph that you gain in speed, you lose fuel efficiency. Driving at 55 mph results in you paying 25cents more per gallon, while driving at 65 mph is equivalent to adding 75 centsto the cost of each gallon of gas.

• Rapidaccelerations and quick stops as well as speeding can decrease gas mileage by33 percent on the highway and 5 percent in town. You will save fuel by coasting to stops andpressing gently on the gas pedal when accelerating.

• Thereare a variety of gas apps, including GasBuddy and Fuel Finder, which willdisplay gas prices at stations nearby.

• Lookinto using reward points to lower your gas costs. Many grocery stores award customers pointsthat can be redeemed for lower gas prices based on how much is purchased intheir stores. Discounts range as high as$1 off per gallon.

• Selectcentrally located lodging. Instead ofstaying in the suburbs when visiting a city, pick a downtown hotel close to themajority of the attractions that you want to see. Then leave your car parked and walk or takepublic transportation.

• Consolidateerrands so that you do not have to make as many trips in your car.

• Takeinto account fuel efficiency when deciding which car to rent.