Get the Best MPG on your Road Trip
Want to Get the Best Gas Mileage out of Your vehicle on your Summer Road Trip? If you want to get the most miles for your $$, you may be surprised what a difference some of these tips will make when it comes to saving gas.
Before You Travel
- Try to pump your gas at the coolest time of day. Gas is densest at these times, so you'll get more out of the volume.
- Use your manufacturer's recommended type of motor oil to increase your gas mileage up to 2%.
- When starting your car, you don't need to run it for more than 45 seconds. After that, you are just wasting fuel.
- Regular tune ups can save an average of 4%.
- Replacing a dirty air filter can increase gas mileage up to 10%.
- Make sure tires are pressurized to the maximum limit provided by the manufacturer.
- Traveling on deep tire tread dramatically reduces fuel efficiency. Remove unnecessary devices such as snow tires if they aren't needed.
- Remove excess weight from car that can also reduce gas mileage.
- Note that smaller cars are more fuel efficient, especially those with manual transmission.
On the Road
- Don't start and stop your engine multiple times. Idling for one minute consumes the same amount of gas as starting your engine.
- The faster you travel the more gas you consume. If you travel at 55 mph you will save close to 21% more on your gas mileage versus traveling 10–15 miles over.
- When you are approaching a hill or incline, make sure to accelerate before you reach the hill to avoid using excess gas to get the same result ON the hill.
- Avoid driving on rough roads, they can decrease your gas mileage by 30%.
- Did you know that if you travel at the legal speed limit continuously you increase your chances for hitting green lights? The fewer stoplights and less stopping/slowing the better when it comes to saving fuel.
- Use cruise control for highway traveling.
- Cool down automatic transitions by placing them in neutral at long traffic lights or traffic standstills.
- Avoid reverse driving maneuvers.
- Having an open sunroof (much like open windows) can increase resistance and use more fuel.
- Keep windows closed while traveling at high speeds. Having open windows can reduce your gas mileage up to 10%, which can be the same as air conditioning.
- Watch your acceleration! Slow your acceleration time down to 15 seconds (when going from 0–60 mph) and you can save 30% on your gas mileage.
A Delicious Taco Night Upgrade!
The school year is in full swing, and with it comes the daily challenge: what to pack for lunch? If you're tired of uneaten sandwiches and sad-looking fruit, you're not alone! Packing engaging and nutritious lunches can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With a little creativity and some smart strategies, you can transform lunchtime from a chore into a highlight of your child's day. The secret to a successful school lunch lies in a few key areas: making it appealing, keeping it fresh, and ensuring it's easy for kids to eat independently. Think beyond the basic sandwich and consider incorporating a variety of textures, colors, and flavors. Bento-style boxes or compartmentalized containers are fantastic for offering a mix of small, exciting bites. We've put together some fantastic, kid-approved lunch ideas that are designed to be fun, fast, and fridge-friendly. These options aim to entice even the pickiest eaters and might even spark a little "lunch envy" among their classmates! Lunchbox Bragging Rights: Fun Lunch Ideas Kids Actually Eat (and Other Kids Might Envy) list for parents: Mini Pizza Lunchables (but cooler): Empower your child to assemble their own mini pizzas with pita rounds, marinara, cheese, and toppings. Dino Nugget Charcuterie: A playful take on a classic, featuring warm nuggets, veggies, and dip. Wafflewich: A sweet and satisfying breakfast-for-lunch option with toaster waffles, nut butter, and fruit. Snacky Bento Box: A customizable selection of cheese, crackers, fruit, deli meat, and a small treat for a balanced and fun meal. Deconstructed Taco Day: All the components for a DIY taco, kept separate and ready to assemble. PB&J Sushi: A fun and easy twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Egg-cellent Protein Pack: A protein-packed option with hard-boiled eggs, hummus, and crunchy dippers. Lunch Packing Pro Tips to Make Your Life Easier: Compartmentalize with Color: Use silicone muffin cups to separate items and add a pop of color to the lunchbox. This prevents sogginess and makes the lunch visually appealing. Freeze for Freshness (and Function!): Freeze yogurt tubes or juice boxes overnight. They'll act as eco-friendly ice packs, keeping food cool until lunchtime, and will be perfectly thawed by the time your child is ready to eat. Cookie Cutter Fun: Use cookie cutters to transform ordinary sandwiches, cheese slices, or fruit into fun shapes like animals or silly faces. This simple trick makes lunch instantly more exciting! Add a Personal Touch: Slip in a sweet note, a funny joke, or a small drawing to remind your child you're thinking of them. These little gestures can brighten their day and make lunchtime extra special. By incorporating these creative ideas and simple tips, you can turn school lunch packing into a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your child. You can do them on your own for a daily lunchtime surprise, or let your kids get into the fun with you! Say goodbye to uneaten lunches and hello to happy, fueled-up learners!
This Sheet-Pan Gnocchi and Sausage Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Small, screen-free resets for solo adventurers, couples, and families alike.
Perfect for a crowd!
Plus, a list of quirky ways to keep cool!
So easy and so good!
Because your pets are family, too.
A Fresh and Flavorful Twist on Classic Quesadillas!
Out with the Old, In with the Organized!
