How to Save Money on Gas

Ever since the automobile became a staple of the American household, a burning question has remained in the minds of every family --- how much is a gallon of gas? The volatile energy markets can force gas prices up or down in wild fluctuations, and so we think it’s important that you know how to save on gas usage. However good things look now, price-wise, it’s sure not to stay that way forever.

Tip Number 1 – Drive Less

OK, we admit, this one sounds a bit obvious. If you drive less, you’ll use less gas. Of course! It doesn’t take a genius, but let’s look at this seriously. If you reflect on how much you are using your car, even for journeys under a mile, then you are probably wasting a lot fuel. Consider walking or riding a bike if you can.

Tip Number 2 – Shorten the Warm Up

If you have harsh winters, or are far up north where most mornings are rather chilly, then part of your morning routine is starting the car a couple of minutes early to get her warmed up before the commute or the school run. Try keeping your warm up within 30 seconds. You’ll be amazed how much you can save over time.

Tip Number 3 – Watch Your Speed

Staying well within the speed limits and maintaining steady cruising speeds over distance will help conserve gas. Always slowing down and speeding up is a real gas guzzling tactic, as is driving faster in general. Slow down and go steady.

Tip Number 4 – Stay on Top of Maintenance

Ignoring basic maintenance steps could be adding to your gas costs, did you know that? Some of the top things to check that can save you on gas are the tire pressure, changing out the air filters (especially in dusty areas) and making sure that you’re using the right motor oil for your vehicle (check the manual for that).

Tip Number 5 – Avoid Highway Gas Stations

Here’s something you may never have expected before, but gas from stations that are located right on main highways is usually pricier than that from other stations. Well, when you’re on the highway, where else are you going to go? Are you going to take a big detour to find some smaller station elsewhere? Unlikely. Gas up fully before you head to the highway.

Tip Number 6 – Buy When it’s Cooler

A final tip from us today – buy gas in the early mornings or later in the evenings when the temperature has dropped. Here’s the chemistry part --- when it’s cool out, the gas is denser and you’ll get more bang for your buck when pumping. More gas will come through, but the price won’t change. Avoid pumping in the heat and watch the savings roll in!

Follow these tips and avoid spending too much on gas. Every little helps Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Keeping Your Car Clean – A Guide

Yes, we know. Cleaning the car isn’t exactly the most glamorous job out there. You can get a quick rinse at the carwash for a good price, and that keeps it looking in good order…on the surface, at least. For most, however, the thought of a deep clean and proper detailing of the car is off-putting, and so they let it build up, and build up, until eventually the inside of the car is an utter disaster. Here’s some tips on keeping your motor spic and span.

Make a plan, and stick to it. Create a simple cleaning rota where you split everything into small, bite-size jobs. Monday: Wipe down the steering wheel and dash, Tuesday: Vacuum the driver’s side, Wednesday…you get the idea. Doing small manageable jobs each day will keep things in good order in the long run.

Get creative. Find simple solutions to clean into the spots you may forget. For example, you can use an old sock to clean the cup holders. Just put your hand in there and rub it around good in the cup holder, it’ll get into the full space, picking up all the bits and pieces that get stuck down there over time.

Use all the attachments on the vacuum. The main vacuum head and tube won’t be enough to do a proper clean of the vehicle. You’ll need the other attachments to help get into the nooks and crannies that conceal some of the worst dirt and dust.

Check your cleaning products. There may be some items, especially for the exterior of the car, that are not suitable for your car’s model, paint type or other external feature. When cleaning the wheels, for instance, you need to make sure that you get cleaning products that are suitable for all surfaces. There’s no telling what accidental damage you might do with the wrong products.

Stay on top of pet hair. If your dog is a regular passenger, then you need to stay on top of the fur cleanup, because that can infect your entire vehicle in ways that become unbearable. Even the professional detailers struggle with cars that have had long-term canine use and no proper cleaning routine. Use a wet rubber glove or strong tape to shift the hair from where it’s getting embedded in the upholstery or carpeting, and then vacuum it up. Better yet, brush the dog before you let it in the car, or contain it to one area of the car to minimize the spread of stray fur.

Follow these tips and you’ll keep a clean, ship shape vehicle for the whole family to enjoy.

Teen Driver Safety

There’s nothing that gets the parental panic alarms going like their teenage son or daughter heading out onto the open road for the first time, accompanied or not. It’s a hard thing, to let your child put themselves out there in the world, and especially when traffic accidents among youth happen at more tragic rates than older adults. There are some simple things you can do, however, that will help keep your teens safe out on the road.

1. Look at advanced driving courses

Drivers-ed and on-road practice may be enough to get you through a basic driving test, but it’s only the more advanced courses that better prepare young people for what’s really out there. Learn more defensive driving techniques through extra courses, and boost your teen’s safety knowledge and overall driving ability.

2. Stay well within the limits

When you’re a less experienced driver, it stands to reason that you should operate well within the recommended guidelines of road safety. Therefore, if the guidelines say keep at least two car-lengths of distance between you and the car in front, go ahead and throw in another for good measure. Is the speed limit 60mph? Drive at 50mph.

3. Turn the cell phone OFF

Switching to silent or vibrate-only just might not cut it in this age of smartphone-obsessed youth. In the 2000s, it was texting and driving that was the problem, but now it’s “every app under the sun” and driving that’s the problem. Encourage teens to turn the phone right off while driving.

If the phone is kept on, then it still needs to be put out of sight and not be used at all while driving, even while sitting still in traffic. As soon as the phone is back in their hands, even for a minute, it’ll be “Oh, I’ll just check Facebook while the light is red” and “It’s okay! I can edge forward slowly in traffic while I read this bit of news.” No phone use means no phone use.

4. Avoid extreme weather conditions

While you are still finding your driver’s legs, it might not be a good idea to go out in adverse weather conditions. High winds can make driving a huge challenge for even an experienced motorist. Heavy rains reduce visibility, fog is an even greater challenge. If the weather looks sour, consider public transport and give your car a break. Wait until you have a bit more experience, or until you can have someone accompany you.

5. Make more use of your headlights

Finally, teens should remember that headlights are not just to see better at night. They are also to help others better see you! Using headlights from the late afternoon as the sun heads down over the horizon is a good habit to develop from a young age. Pedestrians and motorists alike often underestimate how much the dimming light effects the efficacy of their eyes.

Driving Safely in the Rain

Summer is just about upon us, and for some they continue to be blessed with everlasting sunshine and minimal precipitation. For the rest of us, though, the rain can keep coming. Rainy weather has an adverse effect on driving conditions, and so it’s important we are all aware of key strategies and tips we can use when facing the great wet outdoors. Let’s take a look.

First, you have to slow down. A wet road is a slick road, and that means longer braking distances, even for the most experienced and fast-reacting drivers out there. Lower your speed by at least 10mph on average (5mph in low-speed zones) to avoid these risks. When rain is heavy, it also impacts visibility, so put on your lights, slow down and keep your eyes open for hazards.

Second, if you’ve seen the latest forecast and you know you’re likely going to have a long journey in the rain, then you should do some basic maintenance checks on your car. You’ll need optimal tire pressure and fully working windshield wipers for a start. Check your cleaning fluid levels as well, as spray from trucks in front of you might muddy up your view. The rain itself might clear some, but it can still leave stains on the windshield which you’ll want to get clean.

Third, consider turning off your cruise control. It works well in normal conditions and is a handy companion on long journey down the highway. In the rain, however, it can lead to unwanted acceleration on the slicker roads, and that is something you definitely don’t want.

Finally, take whatever your normal rules are for road safety and increase their strictness. If you normally leave a single car-length of distance between you and the car in front, then double it to two car lengths. If you usually drive 5mph under the limit, then drive at least 10mph under the limit. If you give yourself 20 minutes for the usual journey, then increase it to 35. You get the idea.

Rain means change. Adapt yourself to the changing weather conditions and stay safe on the road. Don’t let the weather rain on your parade!

Top Tips: Preparing for a Road Trip

Summer is here and that means the family road trip to “Wherever, USA” is almost upon you, too. We know that packing for a road trip can seem like a real ordeal, especially for a family with young kids. It’s not just the distance or the gas mileage, it’s keeping the kids entertained, being ready for anything, having snacks and so much more. Here’s our handy guide to getting the car properly stocked before the big road trip.

1. Bring all the essential documents – pack your license, registration and a copy of your insurance information somewhere safe but easily accessible (like the glove box) just in case. You should always have them ready in your car, anyway.

2. Think of emergency supplies – a first-aid kit, a roadside emergency kit, blankets and travel pillows for comfortable sleeps along the way. Check the spare tire is in working order, and do some simple maintenance checks; tire pressure, oil, air filters etc. before you go. Finally, don’t forget toilet paper and/or Clorox wipes, because…well…everybody needs them!

3. Entertainment for the kids – if they’re on screen time, then portable DVD players, tablet computers or something that can play movies and TV to keep them amused for a few hours. If your car has them built in then bully for you. If they’re not on screen time, then a fun sing-along playlist for the car is a good idea, as well as a bank of easy-to-play travel games. I Spy, spot the car brand, license plate numbers, visual scavenger hunts…the sky’s the limit.

4. Snacks – audio-visual entertainment is never truly enough. To really keep everyone in the car happy, you need snacks. Don’t just plump straight for the easy chips or other high-salt snacks. If you plan, you can prepare some delicious and healthy treats that give the right amount of fiber and protein to every passenger. Celery sticks with peanut butter, carrot sticks, hummus, apple slices, trail mix, pb&j --- the list goes on.

5. Summer gear – wherever you’re going this summer, there’s a good chance that even on the way you’ll be under the baking sun or outdoors more than usual. Pack sunglasses, hats and sunscreen for you and the whole family. Better to have these things and then not need them than the other way around.

Take our advice and packing for the trip won’t seem like such an ordeal! What’s more, it’ll help facilitate a happier and more fun car journey for all concerned. Happy and safe travels, everyone!