(Chicago Tribune) |
Heading for the highway this summer? The great American road trip will cost you more than last year thanks to high fuel prices. But don't tell the kids it's going to be another staycation summer just yet.
Here are 7 cost-cutting tips for road trips to help you get through:
1. Use pedal power
You don't need four wheels to get a taste of the open road. Two will do just fine. Adventure Cycling Association offers tools to help cyclists plan trips, with elevation profiles, turn-by-turn directions .
2. Take the bus
Cheap express buses with names like BoltBus and Megabus have become popular with amenities like free Wi-Fi and power and seats for $30 or less.
3. Slow down
Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas, according to Fueleconomy.gov.
4. Check the tire pressure
You can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure, according to Fueleconomy.gov.
5. Skip the toll-booth line
The electronic toll-collection system is offered on most toll roads, bridges and tunnels across 14 states
6. Use the right oil
Boost gas mileage by 1 or 2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil
7. Fill it up with regular
Most vehicles that call for premium fuel can run on regular just fine
Here are 7 cost-cutting tips for road trips to help you get through:
1. Use pedal power
You don't need four wheels to get a taste of the open road. Two will do just fine. Adventure Cycling Association offers tools to help cyclists plan trips, with elevation profiles, turn-by-turn directions .
2. Take the bus
Cheap express buses with names like BoltBus and Megabus have become popular with amenities like free Wi-Fi and power and seats for $30 or less.
3. Slow down
Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas, according to Fueleconomy.gov.
4. Check the tire pressure
You can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure, according to Fueleconomy.gov.
5. Skip the toll-booth line
The electronic toll-collection system is offered on most toll roads, bridges and tunnels across 14 states
6. Use the right oil
Boost gas mileage by 1 or 2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil
7. Fill it up with regular
Most vehicles that call for premium fuel can run on regular just fine
