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While taking a family road trip isn’t quite the cheap vacation it used to be, it can still be far cheaper to drive than to fly for many families. Beyond that, a good road trip can be an adventure in and of itself. (Insert journey versus destination metaphor here.)
What’s more, there are plenty of ways you can cut costs on your road trip to get it closer to that affordable ideal of yesteryear. Since gas is one of the largest expenses, let’s take a look at some ways to save on fuel costs.
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1. Use rewards credit cards
Though I’m obviously biased, rewards credit cards are my favorite way to save on gas. Many of my favorite rewards credit cards have bonus categories for gas purchases. You can easily get back 3% to 5% of your gas purchases with the right card.
Don’t be lured in by the co-branded gas station credit cards, though. They don’t provide as much return as even a mid-tier rewards card. They can also be closed-loop, meaning you can only use them with that brand of gas station.
2. Download gas station apps
Although you should avoid co-branded gas station credit cards, the gas station branded mobile apps are actually worth a look. Many of them provide regular discounts on gas, usually $0.10 or $0.15 per gallon. Some even make paying more convenient, as you can add your gas rewards card to the app and pay through your phone.
3. Be strategic about where you fill up
Gas prices are one of those things that can fluctuate significantly from place to place. And we’re not just talking about crossing state lines. You could save $0.10 a gallon by driving three blocks over in some cases. While it wouldn’t be worth driving 30 miles out of your way — you’d spend more on the gas to get there than you’d save — it could be worth waiting until the next highway exit.
So, how do you know whether to fill up or wait? There’s an app for that. GasBuddy (and similar apps) shows you the prices at gas stations near you with handy little maps.
4. Get a tune up before you leave
Your vehicle has a lot of moving parts. When those parts aren’t in peak condition, it’s going to reduce their efficiency. An inefficient vehicle burns more fuel for the same results.
In other words, have your car serviced before you hit the road. Have your oil changed, your air filters checked, and your tires balanced and rotated. Check your tire pressure while you’re at it. Not only will you help your overall gas mileage, but you’ll also help ensure your vehicle doesn’t quit halfway through your trip.
5. Find your inner zen
Aggressive driving is bad for your gas mileage. In fact, it can reduce your gas mileage by as much as 40%. When we’re talking about hundreds, if not thousands, of miles on the road — well, even 10% can add up quickly. So, don’t speed aggressively, accelerate too rapidly, tailgate so you have to ride your brakes — and so on. Pick your lane, set the cruise control for the speed limit, and just relax. (I recommend picking up a good audiobook or two, as well.)
6. Pack light
How you pack your vehicle can have a big impact on your gas mileage. For one thing, a heavier vehicle takes more power to move. That means burning more fuel. And the problem gets even worse if you’re storing all that extra luggage in a cargo rack or trailer. Both can reduce aerodynamic efficiency (i.e., create wind resistance) which will increase the amount of fuel you burn.
7. Keep it moving
Your vehicle is most efficient when it’s moving. Idling burns fuel without actually getting you anywhere. (That’s right, your car hates traffic as much as you do.) When possible, avoid situations where you’re sitting in your running vehicle.
For example, if you park for a cat nap at a rest station, it’s probably best to turn off your vehicle than to leave it idling for those 20 minutes. Similarly, if your map app tells you there’s bumper-to-bumper traffic ahead on the highway, consider a more scenic detour that keeps you moving (if it won’t add significant mileage onto your trip).
The multi-pronged approach
As you can see, there are myriad ways you can cut down on how much gas you use and how much you pay for that gas. Ideally, you can use multiple — or even all — of the tips on this list to seriously reduce your road trip fuel costs.
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