As we transition into summer, it’s time to plan all sorts of vacations for enjoying this season. Whether it’s a weekend escape or a cross-country road trip, fuel efficiency should be top of mind for car owners. This is especially important as the American Automobile Association predicts that 2016 will be a record-setting year for gasoline consumption due to low fuel costs.

The top three ways to maximize on fuel efficiency are as follows:

1. Schedule a pre-vacation car check. To help avoid car troubles while on the road, a driver should schedule a pre-vacation check. The appointment should include a complete safety assessment with a thorough under-hood inspection.
2. Ensure all tires are at the proper pressure amount. Accurate tire pressure helps to increase gas mileage – as a matter of fact, it can even improve it by up to 3.3 percent.
3. Use recommended motor oil. Every car’s owner manual should have the recommended grade of motor oil needed for the automobile. If followed correctly, gas mileage can be increased by one to two percent.

These tips are not only important for fuel efficiency with regards to budget planning, but they’re also necessary to attain the lowest carbon emissions while traveling. If these checks and precautions are taken ahead of trips of any distance, car owners will get the most mileage for their money and will know their vehicles are conserving as much fuel as possible.

Nick Carpinello is the owner of Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care in Cincinnati, a transmission and auto repair brand that services almost any make or model vehicle, foreign or domestic. Nick and his team specialize in complete transmission service, brakes, suspension, air conditioning service and much more.

For more information and to book a pre-vacation car check, visit www.cottman.com/location/cincinnati-oh/ or call Nick and his team at 513.202.4784.