A well planned trip designed to stay within a desired budget by a thorough review of cheap travel options, including the purchase of cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms and cheap vacation packages, can end up costing more than expected if steps are not taken to minimize the cost of gas for the rental car at your destination.
Consumer requests for fuel efficient rental cars have increased recently with the jump in gas prices. Over the last two months fuel prices have spiked an average of 50 cents a gallon to a national average of $3.77.
The following are ways to reduce your rental cars gas expense:
Before reserving a car rental, search online for economy or compact cars that are fuel efficient. For drivers concerned about fuel efficiency, Thrifty recommends its Chevrolet Aveo sedan which delivers an EPA estimated 25 miles per gallon for city driving and 34 for highway. Hertz offers 35,000 cars in America that are rated at 28 miles per gallon or better.
Do not limit your search for a gas efficient rental car to hybrids. Gas electric hybrids make up less than 1 in every 1,500 cars in the U.S. fleets of the largest car rental chains. Even when you can find a hybrid, it may not end up costing less in total since rental companies tend to charge higher rates for hybrids. Most hybrids are only available at airport locations where taxes and fees tend to be much higher than off airport rentals.
Do the math and figure out if you will benefit by pre-paying for your gas if planning to return the car empty. At some airports, rental car companies are offering pre-pay fuel rates around 20 cents cheaper than the average rate near the airport. About a third of the time renters will benefit by accepting prepaid offers vs. filling up at off airport gas stations if the rental car will be returned with an empty gas tank.
When driving look for cheap gas. Often gas is cheaper a block or two in from the highway. Warehouse clubs such as Costco and Sams often offer the cheapest gas prices.
Gas station price monitoring free apps such as CheapGas and websites like Gasbuddy are often helpful in comparing rates near your rental car location. American Automobile Association offers a TripTik planner that includes a map of your route highlighting gas stations and their prices. Google and Mapquest maps frequently offer the ability for users to view gas station locations.
Remember that autos deliver optimal fuel efficiency when driven around 55 miles per hour. By driving an average of 65 mph you will use more gas, effectively paying 20 cents more per gallon than current prices at the pump. www.cheapfares.com