Autumn is a great time to head out on the road. Cooler temperatures, beautiful fall foliage and less traffic all make for a great road trip. But, there are some important things to consider when heading out before the holidays. We’ve compiled 8 of our best fall road trip tips below. Share yours with us by tagging us @GasBuddy on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter!
DON’T “FALL” FOR THE FIRST PRICE YOU SEE.
You’ve heard us say it a million times – the closest gas station isn’t always the cheapest! And there isn’t a more important time to save money on gas than on a road trip. Shop around for the best prices in the GasBuddy app before you get on the road to find the best bang for your gas buck.
PAY SMART; MONEY DOESN’T GROW ON TREES!
In November, there’s probably one thing on your money-conscious mind: budgeting for holiday gifts. Don’t get caught paying too much at the pump and get some much-needed cents off to spend on gifts for loved ones. Paying smart, with a gas card, gas rewards credit card or loyalty program can save you 25¢ per gallon or more.
GasBuddy offers both a free gas card and a credit card that can help you save. Looking for a good loyalty program to join? Check out Shell Fuel Rewards.
IT’S SWEATER WEATHER FOR YOUR TIRES, TOO.
When the weather gets colder, air compresses, meaning tires can often lose the pressure they once had. Before heading out on your fall road trip, check your tires and make sure they are filled properly. Properly inflated tires are a great way to boost fuel efficiency and get more out of what you pay at the pump.
ROAD TRIPS ARE NO HAYRIDE – PLAN THE BEST ROUTE.
Whether you’re headed across the state to Grandma’s house, or on a full-fledged road trip to immerse yourself in fall foliage, your route is one of the most important aspects of your road trip. Search along your route in the GasBuddy app to find the best gas prices along your route – crossing state lines or waiting until the next city over could save you some major money on gas.
Still looking for route ideas? Check out some of our favorite fall road trips.
NO TRICKS, ALL TREATS WHEN IT COMES TO CAR MAINTENANCE.
Your tires are important, but so is the overall health of your vehicle. Make sure your car is up to date on any required maintenance, including tire rotations and oil changes. And, to make sure your vehicle has not had a recall issued, register your car in the GasBuddy app to be notified.
JACK FROST ISN’T HERE QUITE YET.
Depending on where you live, heat in the car might be a necessity this month. We don’t want you to freeze, but heating and A/C, when overused, can waste gas. Unless you need it, try using heating and cooling sparingly on your long road trips this fall.
EXTRA PUMPKINS IN YOUR TRUNK?
Hauling around some extra junk in your car? Extra weight in your vehicle can reduce fuel efficiency, requiring your car to burn more gas to travel the same distance. Take out any unnecessary, heavy items from your car before heading on the road.
TURN OVER A NEW LEAF AND CHANGE YOUR DRIVING HABITS.
Did you know that speeding, aggressive braking and fast acceleration can all waste gas? The way you drive matters! On your fall road trip (and always!), try to maintain consistent speeds, and give the tailgating a break. According to the Department of Energy, for every 5 miles per hour you travel above 55 mph on the highway, you waste an additional 20 cents in gas. That can really add up!
Original source can be found here.
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