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.
So simple to make at home and 1000% worth the little effort it requires.
The Summer Go Bag: A Tiny Kit That Saves the Day Summer has a way of making “quick little outings” turn into full-blown adventures. A trip to the pool becomes dinner on the way home. A Saturday errand turns into a stop at the park. A lake day somehow requires 47 items, three snacks, and at least one person asking, “Did anyone bring sunscreen?” Enter: The Summer Go Bag . It doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to be perfectly organized. It’s just a small tote, backpack, bin, or canvas bag you keep stocked with the little things that make summer life easier. Think of it as your warm-weather backup plan. What to put in your Summer Go Bag: Sunscreen + bug spray Because nothing ruins a good day faster than realizing you needed both about two hours ago. Reusable water bottles Keep one or two empty bottles in the bag, or toss in a couple of bottles of water before you leave. A small first-aid kit Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain reliever, allergy medicine, and any must-have family basics. Phone charger or power bank Especially helpful for road trips, long days out, or those “I swear my phone was at 42% five minutes ago” moments. Wet wipes + tissues For sticky hands, spilled drinks, mystery car messes, and every parent/grandparent/aunt/uncle who has learned the hard way. A lightweight towel or blanket Great for parks, wet seats, surprise splash pads, outdoor concerts, or impromptu picnics. A few snacks Granola bars, crackers, trail mix, fruit snacks — anything that can survive a little heat and prevent a hunger-related family incident. Plastic bags or a small trash bag For wet swimsuits, muddy shoes, snack wrappers, or anything you don’t want touching the rest of your car. Spare sunglasses or a hat Simple, useful, and always appreciated when someone forgets theirs. Pet basics, if applicable A leash, collapsible water bowl, waste bags, and a small towel can make pet-friendly outings much easier. Where to keep it: Your car is usually the easiest spot, especially if you’re often on the go. If your vehicle gets too hot, keep heat-sensitive items like sunscreen, medicine, and snacks inside the house and toss them in before you leave. You can also make a smaller version for: Pool bags Lake bags Sports practices Road trips Grandkid days Dog park visits The real trick: Restock when you get home The Go Bag only works if it’s ready when you need it. After a busy weekend, take two minutes to replace what you used: snacks, wipes, sunscreen, bandages, water bottles, or plastic bags. That tiny reset makes the next outing so much easier. Summer should feel a little more spontaneous — and a little less like you’re packing for an expedition every time you leave the house. A simple Go Bag won’t solve everything, but it might just save the day.
Insurance can be confusing — and most people have questions they feel like they should already know the answer to.
Seven quick things you can do in minutes to improve the rest of your year!
Skillet Chicken With Mexican Green Rice & Salsa Macha
Insurance can be confusing — and most people have questions they feel like they should already know the answer to.
Insurance can be confusing — and most people have questions they feel like they should already know the answer to.
The easiest 15-minute recipe!
“Home Inventory in 30 Minutes: The Thing You’ll Be Glad You Did”
Includes: phone video walkthrough method, where to store it, high-value items scheduling, receipts/photos and downloadable checklist for home inventory.
January 2026
