Thursday, July 11, 2013

Top 5 Summer Driving Tips

Now that the summer driving season is in full swing it's time to take a look at some summer driving tips that might save you a lot of gas, aggravation, and pain. Too many of us don't give a second thought to summer driving, thinking instead of winter conditions as being more dangerous. But each time of year comes with its own unique set of challenges that need be addressed.
Summer Driving Tips:

1) Improve you gas mileage:

In order to get the best gas mileage for your car - empty it! Yup it's amazing how many people with lug around a trunk full of golf gear, luggage, left over winter gear, kid's toys and bikes when they don't even need them. By clearing your vehicle of all unnecessary gear you can improve fuel economy by 1-2%.

Use the proper grade of gasoline. Buying a premium grade of gas when your car doesn't call for it is nothing more than a waste of money. Not sure what grade to buy? Check online or with a trusted mechanic and they'll steer you in the right direction.

Keep your speed within reason. While we at Hectic Holidays don't condone speeding and we know how hard it is not to go blasting down the open highway; you lose a lot of your fuel economy as you push your car well over the speed limit. By keeping your cruising speed within reasonable limits you can save 2-5% in fuel. And speaking of cruising, use cruise control when possible as it adjusts to the road conditions better than most drivers can and helps maintain an even speed and can lower fuel consumption.

  Finally check those tires! Properly inflated tires can save a driver between 1-3% in fuel usage. It's one of the easiest and most overlooked fuel savings tip.

2) Check your route!

As we say up north, there are only two seasons - winter and construction season. Try finding alternate routes and or adjusting your travel times if there's road work being done. This alone can save you massive amount of gas, money and time. Plus staring at the back of the same car going 2 mph for over an hour is not fun with a car or SUV full of antsy kids!

3) Watch out for teens drivers

Realize more teens are on the road during the summer with school being out. Traditionally this is one of the most dangerous groups on the road; and now with smart phones, the allure of constant communication with their friends is greater than ever. And don't even think about texting and driving yourself. Studies have continually shown a driver that's texting is as impaired as a drunk driver when it comes to reaction times.

4) Get an early start.

If you can leave early before the morning rush hour starts.

5) Don't even think about drinking!

Finally the most important summer driving tip is as always - don't ever drink and drive. I know the message has been beaten into us and rightly so; but during the summer holiday season filled with picnics, family events, and major weekend driving holidays it's a safety tip that too many people still forgot.

Good luck, save summer driving and enjoy the weather!

Want to learn more and get some great holiday tips, check out our website at http://www.hecticholidays.com
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