How Do I Plan Gas for a Road Trip?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re planning a road trip, one of the most important things to consider is how much gas you’ll need. After all, running out of gas on a deserted highway can quickly turn your adventure into a nightmare. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plan gas for your road trip.

Step 1: Determine Your Route

The first thing you need to do is determine the route you’ll be taking. This will give you an idea of the distance you’ll be covering and the number of gas stations that will be available along the way.

Step 2: Calculate Your Gas Mileage

Once you know your route, it’s time to calculate your gas mileage. This will help you estimate how much gas you’ll need for the trip. To do this, fill up your car’s tank and record the mileage on your odometer.

Then, drive until your tank is almost empty and fill it up again. Record the number of gallons it takes to fill up and divide that by the number of miles driven since the last fill-up. This will give you an average miles per gallon (MPG) for your car.

Pro Tip:

If you don’t want to go through this process yourself, there are several online calculators that can help you estimate your car’s MPG based on its make and model.

Step 3: Determine Your Gas Needs

Now that you know your car’s MPG, it’s time to determine how much gas you’ll need for the trip. To do this, take the total distance of your trip and divide it by your car’s MPG. For example, if your trip is 500 miles and your car gets 25 MPG, then you’ll need 20 gallons of gas (500 ÷ 25 = 20).

Pro Tip:

It’s always a good idea to add a little extra to your gas needs, just in case. A 10% buffer should be enough to cover unexpected detours or delays.

Step 4: Research Gas Prices

Now that you know how much gas you’ll need, it’s time to research gas prices along your route. Gas prices can vary widely depending on the state and region, so it’s important to get an idea of what you can expect to pay. There are several websites and apps that can help you find the cheapest gas prices along your route.

Pro Tip:

Consider using a gas rewards credit card or app that gives you cash back or discounts on your gas purchases.

Step 5: Plan Your Stops

Based on your gas needs and research on gas prices, plan out where you’ll stop for gas. It’s always a good idea to have multiple options in case one station is closed or has long lines. Make sure to note the distance between each stop and factor in any side trips or detours you plan on taking.

Pro Tip:

Use Google Maps or another navigation app to plot out your stops and estimate driving times between each one.

Conclusion

Planning for gas on a road trip may seem like a hassle, but it’s an essential part of ensuring a smooth journey. By following these steps and using the right tools, you can save money, avoid unexpected delays, and enjoy the ride with peace of mind.