Nearly everyone is feeling the pain of higher gas prices at the pump. Unless you own an electric vehicle, you know how painful these gas prices can be to your wallet and there is no sign of them ending anytime soon.
Perhaps you had considered a road trip this summer but wonder if high gas prices might cause you to have another staycation this year?
Don’t worry! You can still enjoy a road trip this summer and not pay through the nose! Keep reading and discover our best tips for saving on gas, as well as fantastic national parks that are closer than you might think.
Top Tips for Saving Gas
Saving gas is always a hot topic whenever gas prices climb. You can help keep your fuel costs as low as possible by using the following tips and advice:
1. Consider an Electric Vehicle
If you’ve already been thinking about trading in your old car, consider whether or not an electric vehicle can save you money. You’ll need to know how much per kilowatt-hour your electric company charges and how many hours your selected vehicle costs you to recharge it. You should also know how many miles the vehicle will go in between charges. If your chosen vehicle only goes 100 miles but you commute 55 miles each way, unless you can charge it near your work, you should choose another vehicle.
It’s interesting to note that a study from the US Department of Energy found that electric car owners saved as much as $14,500 on fuel costs if they keep an electric vehicle for 15 years. That’s just short of $1,000 a year, but it might be more since this study was done in 2019 when gas prices were lower than they are now.
Some locations, such as hotels or grocery stores, offer free charging when you solicit their business. Taking advantage of these can add to your savings.
2. Properly Maintain Your Vehicle
Too many people do limited or no maintenance on a vehicle until it breaks down. Simple maintenance such as tune-ups, tire rotation, keeping the proper air pressure in your tires, changing to synthetic oil, changing the air filter regularly, and following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule will go a long way towards making your car more fuel-efficient.
The experts at My Mechanic can perform all of the above and show you how to properly maintain tire pressure. Call us today about our monthly special offers.
3. Monitor Your Driving Habits
The fact is that the faster you drive, the more gas your car will use. Observe speed limits and avoid rabbit starts from a dead stop. Using cruise control on long drives will help save gas by avoiding fluctuations in speed. Use the “fast pass” lanes on toll roads. These help to eliminate slowing down or stopping to pay cash. Also, remember to avoid excessive idling. A good rule of thumb is that if your vehicle will be idling for one minute or less, leave the car running. If it is idling for more than one minute, turn off the motor.
4. Driver Smarter
If you have more than one vehicle, use the smallest vehicle/engine for the job. For example, if you are a solo commuter and own both a V-8 SUV and a sub-compact car, take the sub-compact. If you are running errands, drive a circular route so that you don’t backtrack. When possible, drive to a central location and walk to your errands.
5. Check Prices Before You Fill Up
Using an app such as Gas Buddy can help you keep track of where prices are lowest. Even 2 cents difference per gallon will make a difference over time, especially when you have a 25 -gallon gas tank to fill!
Small steps like these can make a huge difference in your gas mileage and the price you pay for fuel.
The Road Trip is Still On!
If you thought that high gas prices would make a summer road trip impossible, check out these three national parks. All are within a 3-hour drive from Chicago and are filled with fun activities for the whole family.
1. Indiana Dunes National Park
A mere 60-minute drive from Chicago, if you haven’t been here, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
This national park has some of the most challenging hiking terrain in the Midwest. With beautiful views of Lake Michigan, you’ll see plenty of ponds, black oak forests, swamps, and dunes that make up a sandy beach. You can stop at the Albanese Candy Factory in Merrillville for some sweet treats or rent a beach house in New Buffalo, Michigan, and watch the kids play on the playground.
2. Ice Age National Scenic Trail
A short 2-hour drive will transport you back in time to when much of North America lay underneath a huge ice glacier.
If you’ve got children who love dinosaurs, mammoths, and saber-tooth cats, this is the perfect summer vacation trip.
There is a hiking trail that traces the glacier’s edge, along with nature walks, camping, biking, and horseback riding.
The kids will love seeing the local wildlife and shooting stars at night while eating s’mores and telling ghost stories by the fire.
3. I & M Canal National Heritage Park
This little jewel is just short of a 2-hour drive from Chicago and there is so much to see here, that you’ll want to spend more time than you had originally planned.
Back in 1848, a 96-mile canal (all dug by hand) was created to connect the heartland to New York and New Orleans. This canal was used by Native Americans, French fur traders, pioneers, and more.
Today, this area includes the Isle a la Cache Museum, the Reddick Mansion, the Navy Pier, along with the I&M Canal Visitor Center, where you can take a mule-pulled boat trip down the canal.
Mom and dad can relax at some of the delightful restaurants, such as the Tallgrass restaurant or Nick’s Tavern, while the kids check out the Chicagoland Speedway or Lemont Quarry.
There are so many terrific things to see and do that are very close to home. Plan your road trip and see the beauty of our national parks this year!
My Mechanic is Here for You
At least two weeks before your trip, make an appointment for a summertime check-up with My Mechanic.
We will be happy to inspect your vehicle, do any required service, and let you know if we see anything that might need replacing, such as belts, hoses, tires, or other items.
Nothing will spoil a road trip faster than a breakdown, so a summer safety inspection is one of the cheapest ways to ensure your peace of mind this year.
Call us for an appointment today so you won’t be sorry tomorrow.
Safe travels and enjoy your summer!
