Summer Car Care Tips For Your Road Trip

Despite painful fill-ups at the gas station, some folks are still planning on hitting the road this summer for vacation. In our weekly Angie's List report, Turn To 2 shows you how servicing your car before the big trip can help you get the most out of every gallon.

With no end in sight for the fast-rising gas prices, Angie's List members planning to drive this summer to their vacation destination are taking extra steps to ensure they get the most out of every gallon. Angie Hicks of Angie's List polled members about their car care habits.

"Sixty-seven percent of the respondents in that poll are performing regular maintenance which is great news because that's one of the best ways to stretch your gas mileage."

Having a certified mechanic look at your car or truck will help you to avoid a breakdown on the road. Hicks says they'll be able to check to see if you vehicle is road ready so you're not stranded.

"Before heading out on a summer road trip, your mechanic should change your oil, check your fluids, check your tire pressure, and also examine your air conditioner."

Remember, you'll get better gas mileage in your car with the a/c on than with the windows down. And if speeding is a problem for you, cut the habit...if you want to save money.
Hicks has one more tip to consider.

"The more weight in your car is going to reduce your gas mileage, so try to pack light this summer and get the junk out of your trunk."

So, plan ahead and have your vehicle serviced before your vacation. Remember, that's your time to relax.


Advice for Summer Road Trips:

Safety First: Take the vehicle you'll be driving to a reliable service provider for a thorough check-up two weeks before you plan to head out. If there's an issue, you'll have time to get it addressed without eating into your R&R time. And, you'll greatly reduce the chances you'll spend part of your vacation in a break-down lane far from home.
Slow down; you're on vacation: Driving the speed limit will increase your fuel efficiency. Honest.
Save the limbo for the beach: Avoid going as low as you can go when it comes to your gas tank. Your fuel pump is located there and the bottom of the gas tank collects sediment from gasoline. When you run your car on low fuel, the pump can pick up the sediment and become damaged from it, which results in low fuel-efficiency.
Sleep all day, drive all night: Consider driving to your summer destination during non-peak hours. Nearly half the energy needed to power your vehicle goes in acceleration. Unnecessary braking wastes that energy. It will also be cooler at night, meaning you might not need the A/C, saving even more fuel.