This Driving Hack Is A Fool-Proof Way To Save Money And Gas On Your Road Trips

When the open road is calling but the bank account is cringing, there is a simple, foolproof driving hack that doesn't require any new apps or gadgets. The magic is not in the type of car you drive, but in how you drive it. Smooth and steady saves the day – and a little money in the bargain.

When you run through your checklist of simple hacks that make your road trip easier, the excitement sets in. Snacks at the ready, playlists downloaded, GPS pointing to your next destination. Then it comes to filling up the tank, and reality intrudes: the cost of the journey itself. In fact, there is a strategy as old as the combustion engine that is surprisingly overlooked when it comes to saving money on gas, and it doesn't mean you have to drive slowly.

Here's the secret at the tip of your foot: Imagine you are carrying a two-tier wedding cake in the back of the car. Your mission is to reach your destination without ruining the beautiful icing. This isn't about reducing speed; it is about the art of calm and predictable driving. According to tests cited by the government website Natural Resources Canada, increasing and decreasing your speed between 75 and 85 km [47-52 mph] per hour every 18 seconds can burn your fuel quicker. Therefore, varying your speed is costing you money that could be better spent in a treat when you get there.

Among the other tips to save fuel, Natural Resources Canada recommends avoiding keeping your engine in idle if you can help it, checking your tire pressure, and gettting rid of unnecessary weight. This mindset is also useful not just on road trips but also when you are back home. It won't add much time to your commute but will save you money on gas. Whenever a driver is accelerating to overtake a car, only to wait at the same red light together, that hasty drive is just paying more for the same privilege.

The key to the steady and calm type of driving mode is that you are using the momentum of the car as part of the energy that is carrying the vehicle forward. You only need enough power to overcome wind resistance and rolling friction. Think of it like pushing a heavy cart: the hardest part is getting it started, not keeping it rolling. When you accelerate, your vehicle has to fight against inertia and put in more effort. Think of your engine as a marathon runner, rather than a sprinter, who performs best at a consistent moderate pace. Find your sweet spot, and your car will reward you with better mileage.

So why not try this strategy on your next long-haul drive? Build up steadily to your cruising speed and maintain it while you are driving in this most fuel-efficient manner. As a bonus, any passengers sharing your smooth driving skills will enjoy a more comfortable ride and feel safer during your road trip. You can get the cake to the wedding intact — and eat it too.