Maximize Your Gas Money This Memorial Day

Memorial Day is just around the corner! I love a long weekend, but probably won’t be traveling for this one. Simply because we are usually entertained by the riverside arts fest that takes place right outside our windows on this particular holiday.

But most of America will be going somewhere.  And odds are this year’s Memorial Day vacation will cost more than last year’s, especially if you plan on driving. What can you do to maximize your dollars spent on gas? Here are some ideas:

1. Drive slower. And I’m not just being a back seat driver. In a study done by the U.S. Department of Transportation, slowing from 70 to 60 mph improved average fuel efficiency by 17.2 percent. A big slowdown – from 75 to 55 mph – improved fuel efficiency by 30.6 percent.

2. Don’t bother with the high test; Just use the regular. Despite what my in-laws say, you don’t have to use the premium grade every time you fill up, even if the owner’s manual says so. The Buick is not going to keel over if it tastes regular unleaded. How do I know? The Car Talk guys said so.

And while we’re hanging out with Click and Clack, they also recommend

3. Shifting to higher gears quicker

4. Anticipating stops so you brake less

5. Trying not to idle (burning gas while going nowhere = burning money) and

6. Losing the excess baggage (and baggage carrier) if you don’t need it.  No, that doesn’t mean you can leave your little brother at home.

Not sure whether to fly or drive to your holiday destination?  Take this Sierra Club quiz which asks, How Green is Your Getaway? Not to brag, but I got 100% (the quiz is pretty easy.)