3 Ways to Save Money On the Road This Summer By Janice Phillips

Despite being pummeled by frequent snowstorms and frostbite-inducing temperatures, you were able to make it through another winter. Seldom did a day pass in which you didn’t have to shovel mounds of snow, dress in bulky layers or drive on hazardous, ice-caked roads. To make matters worse, the untenable weather conditions trapped you and your loved ones indoors for five solid months. Sure, you went to work, your kids went to school and someone would occasionally make a trip to the grocery store, but for the most part, your family was cooped up inside all winter long.

Now that the snow has finally melted and the bitter chill has vanished from the air, it’s time for your family to treat their acute case of cabin fever. After suffering through such a brutal winter, you’ve definitely earned a break from snow, ice and frigid temperatures. Because the various wintertime road hazards are no longer preventing you from venturing outside, summer is the ideal driving season. Not only will you and your family be able to run errands and go on outings with increased regularity, you’ll also get to embark on lengthy road trips. Unfortunately, all this driving can create a number of new expenses, such as increased fuel costs and auto maintenance bills. Luckily, the following tips will enable you to enjoy the summer driving season without leaving a hole in your bank account.

Have Your Vehicle Serviced Before Embarking on Road Trips

Encountering an unexpected breakdown in the middle of nowhere can prove immensely pricey. Between tow truck fees and repair costs, this ordeal is liable to eat up your entire vacation budget. For this reason, make a point of having your vehicle thoroughly serviced before setting off on a road trip. This will ensure that it’s in peak condition to get your family to and from their destination, dramatically reducing the chances of on-the-road breakdowns and exorbitant repair bills.

Take Advantage of Your RV’s Amenities

If your family regularly takes road trips in an RV, there are many ways to cut back on travel costs. For example, instead of shelling out the cash for hotel rooms, why not take advantage of the vehicle’s designated sleeping areas? Some RV travelers choose to stay at hotels for a change of scenery, and while this is somewhat understandable, it creates needless expenses. Even low-end to mid-grade hotel rooms can cost upwards of $75 a night. In the case of trips that last for a week or more, these fees can quickly add up. In addition, if your RV features a kitchenette, try preparing your own meals instead of constantly dining at restaurants.

Invest in a Fuel Efficient Vehicle

Large trucks and SUVs are good vehicles to have during the icy winter months. Their four-wheel drive and large size make them ideal for navigating slick wintery roads. However, these vehicles often cost their owners a small fortune at the gas pump. Not only do they not get very many miles to the gallon, they also sport enormous gas tanks. With this in mind, invest in a small fuel-efficient vehicle to drive during the spring, summer and fall months. Although this will cost you a fair amount in the short term, this vehicle will ultimately pay for itself in the form of reduced fuel costs.

With the abundance of gorgeous weather this time of year brings, it’s no wonder summer is commonly regarded as the peak driving season. As fun as it is to traverse roads that are free of snow and ice, all this additional driving can do some serious damage to your savings. However, by staying on top of auto maintenance, making the most of your RV and investing in a fuel-efficient vehicle, you can substantially diminish your summertime driving costs.

About the Author: Janice Phillips is a wife, mother and middle school teacher who resides in Falcon, Colorado. Whenever her family’s supersized RV is in need of repair or maintenance, she enlists the services of the seasoned automotive pros at Premier Auto and RV.

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