State Treasurer Markell Offers Tips on Saving Money & Gas for Memorial Day Holiday Weekend
As Delawareans prepare for the three-day Memorial Day weekend that traditionally kicks off the summer driving season, State Treasurer Jack Markell offers some tips to save travelers some money while on the road.
"It can be a case of sticker shock when you fill your gas tank, and these increases can really pinch already stretched budgets," Mr. Markell said. "There are three basic strategies to keep in mind -- keep the car in good working order, drive smarter and of course, drive less to conserve gas."
The nationwide Lundberg Survey quotes the average price of self-serve regular gas at $3.18 -- an increase of more than 11 cents per gallon from the survey two weeks ago.
"Changing driving habits from slowing down to conserve fuel to removing extra items to reduce weight can really make a difference that can save you some money," Markell said.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) expects that 100,000 Delawareans will travel 50 miles or more over the Memorial Day weekend -- about the same number who traveled that distance last year. AAA predicts that 92,200 of these travelers will be driving.
Below are some tips to assist all of us to save money while we're on the road.
- Slow down. Stay within the posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel your car consumes, and the more money you shell out.
- Check your tires. Check the manufacturer's recommendations or inside the driver's door on your car for the correct tire pressure. Underinflated tires can cause fuel consumption to increase by up to six percent.
- Keep it steady. If your car is equipped with cruse control, use it. Engaging cruise control on highway trips can help you to maintain a constant speed, and in most cases, reduce fuel consumption. If your car does not have cruise control, try to maintain a consistent level of speed.
- Make a pit stop. Make sure you are driving with clean oil. Clean oil reduces wear and tear caused by friction between moving parts and removes harmful substances from the engine. And while you're at it...
- How's the air? Check and replace your car's air filters regularly. The air filter keeps impurities in the air from damaging internal engine components. Clogged air filters can cause up to a ten percent increase in fuel consumption.
- Tune it up. Studies have shown that a poorly tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 to 20 percent depending on the car's condition.
- Plan ahead. If you need to go to the grocery store or pharmacy, check with your neighbor to see if you can combine your trips. Several short errands, taken from a cold start can use up to twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.
- Take it easy. Anticipate driving situations. By not tailgating (i.e., aggressive driving), you can avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration, and improve your car's fuel economy by 5 to 10 percent.
- Don't idle. If you are stuck in stopped traffic for an extended period of time, turn off your engine. Unnecessary idling, no matter how efficient your car is, wastes fuel, costs you money, and pollutes our air.
- Enjoy some fresh air. Air conditioning can reduce fuel economy between 5 and 14 percent. Use your AC sparingly.
Implementing just a few of these tips can help to keep your hard-earned money where it belongs -- in your pocket.
