I’ve always loved the idea of road trips—the open road, endless possibilities, and that sense of freedom that only comes from driving with no fixed schedule. But on one particular road trip, my excitement turned to dread when I realized just how much I was spending on gas. With every stop at the pump, my wallet felt lighter, and my frustration grew. By the time I got home, I knew something had to change.
That trip wasn’t just a vacation; it became a crash course in fuel efficiency. I learned how small changes in driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and planning can make a huge difference in how much gas you use—and how much money you save. Now, I’m going to share everything I discovered so you can stretch every gallon and make your road trips more enjoyable and affordable.
How My Fuel Inefficiency Cost Me Big Time
Let’s start with the harsh reality. My trip was a 1,500-mile journey through the Southwest, spanning four days. I drove my trusty but somewhat inefficient 2012 Ford Explorer, which averaged about 18 miles per gallon (MPG).
The Gas Cost Breakdown
Here’s what I spent on gas:
- Total Miles: 1,500
- Fuel Efficiency: 18 MPG
- Gallons of Gas Used: 1,500 ÷ 18 = 83.3 gallons
- Average Gas Price: $4.00 per gallon
Total Cost: 83.3 x $4.00 = $333.20
That’s over $330 just for gas! And this was during a time when I wasn’t even thinking about driving efficiently. I was speeding, carrying extra weight, and barely paying attention to maintenance. I knew I could do better.
Lesson 1: The Speed Demon Dilemma
How Speed Kills Your MPG
I’m guilty of loving the fast lane. On highways, I’d often cruise at 75-80 MPH. But I learned that speeding is one of the fastest ways to burn through gas.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, for every 5 MPH you drive over 50 MPH, you pay an additional $0.18 per gallon for gas due to increased wind resistance. In other words, the faster you go, the harder your engine works, and the more fuel you consume.
My Experiment
On my return trip, I decided to stick to 65 MPH instead of my usual 75-80 MPH. Here’s what happened:
- Old Speed (75-80 MPH): 18 MPG
- New Speed (65 MPH): 22 MPG
That small adjustment improved my fuel efficiency by 4 MPG. Over a 1,500-mile trip, that’s a difference of:
- Gallons Used at 18 MPG: 83.3 gallons
- Gallons Used at 22 MPG: 68.2 gallons
Savings: (83.3 – 68.2) x $4.00 = $60.40
Takeaway: Slow Down to Save Big
- Stick to 65 MPH on highways to improve your fuel efficiency.
- Use cruise control to maintain a consistent speed and avoid unnecessary acceleration.
Lesson 2: The Weighty Problem of Extra Cargo
Why Extra Weight Matters
I had packed my SUV like I was moving across the country. Camping gear, coolers, boxes of snacks, and even a toolbox I didn’t need. I didn’t realize that carrying unnecessary weight reduces fuel efficiency.
For every 100 pounds of extra weight, fuel efficiency drops by about 1-2%. It may not sound like much, but on a long trip, it adds up.
My Slimmed-Down Packing List
On my return trip, I ditched the unnecessary gear and packed only what I truly needed. By shedding 150 pounds of extra weight, I improved my MPG by about 2%.
Takeaway: Pack Light to Travel Farther
- Before a trip, clean out your car and remove items you don’t need.
- Avoid using roof racks if possible, as they increase wind resistance and reduce MPG.
Lesson 3: Tire Pressure Makes a Huge Difference
The Tire Pressure Revelation
Before my trip, I didn’t think twice about my tire pressure. When I finally checked it mid-trip, my tires were 5 PSI lower than recommended. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces your engine to work harder.
Properly inflated tires can improve fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
The Simple Fix
I stopped at a gas station, filled my tires to the recommended 35 PSI, and immediately noticed a difference. My car handled better, and my MPG went up by about 1 MPG.
Takeaway: Keep Those Tires Pumped
- Check your tire pressure at least once a month.
- Keep a portable tire gauge in your glove box.
- Inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (found on a sticker inside the driver’s door).
Lesson 4: Smooth Driving = Better Mileage
The Stop-and-Go Trap
I used to accelerate quickly and brake hard—especially in traffic. But rapid acceleration and braking can reduce your MPG by up to 40% in stop-and-go driving and by 30% on the highway.
My New Driving Habit
On my return trip, I focused on smooth acceleration and gradual braking. I anticipated traffic lights and coasted whenever possible.
This simple change boosted my fuel efficiency by another 2 MPG.
Takeaway: Be a Smooth Operator
- Accelerate gently and avoid jackrabbit starts.
- Coast to stops instead of braking hard.
- Keep a safe distance from the car ahead to avoid unnecessary braking.
Lesson 5: Maintenance Matters More Than You Think
The Small Fixes That Add Up
I hadn’t realized how much basic maintenance affects fuel efficiency. During my trip, I did some quick fixes that paid off:
- Oil Change: Using the right motor oil improved my MPG by 1-2%.
- Air Filter Replacement: A clean air filter can improve fuel efficiency by up to 10%.
- Spark Plug Check: Worn spark plugs can reduce MPG by up to 30%.
Takeaway: Regular Maintenance Saves Fuel
- Change your oil every 5,000 miles with the recommended grade.
- Replace your air filter every 12,000 miles.
- Check spark plugs regularly and replace them if worn.
The Total Savings on My Return Trip
Here’s how my fuel efficiency improved on the return leg of my trip:
- Initial MPG: 18 MPG
- After Improvements: 24 MPG
The Numbers
- Total Miles: 1,500
- Gallons Used at 24 MPG: 62.5 gallons
- Gas Cost: 62.5 x $4.00 = $250
Total Savings: $333 – $250 = $83
By making these simple changes, I saved $83 on a single road trip. If you apply these lessons throughout the year, the savings can easily add up to hundreds of dollars.
Turning My Gas Guzzler into a Gas Saver
That road trip taught me that fuel efficiency isn’t just about the car you drive—it’s about how you drive and how well you maintain your vehicle. With a few adjustments, you can turn even a gas guzzler into a more efficient ride.
So before your next road trip, remember: Slow down, pack light, keep your tires inflated, drive smoothly, and stay on top of maintenance. Your wallet—and the open road—will thank you.
