Memorial Day weekend getaway: How to find cheaper gas and get your car ready

People are getting Covid-19 vaccinations. Restrictions are being loosened or lifted. And many folks are ready to take off as Memorial Day weekend 2021 approaches.

But while many of us have focused a lot on personal health while weighing travel decisions during this phase of the pandemic, what about the health of our vehicles?

If you’re like many people, you probably didn’t use your car for many long trips in the past year. For some people, the car even sat idle.

So before you head out on the road this coming holiday weekend (Memorial Day is Monday, May 31) or later in the summer travel season, give your car a much-needed “health check.” Read on for how to play road doctor and give your vehicle a wellness exam.

How to prep your car for a road trip

Are you ready for the road and Memorial Day weekend travel in places such Miami Beach, Florida?

The experts at YourMechanic.com – a car repair startup that comes to customers’ homes – have identified some of the things you should do before you begin a road trip:

– Check your tire pressure. Look over your tires for bald spots. Also gauge your tire pressure to avoid spontaneous tire blowouts or tears.

– Get your battery tested. If the charge is below 12 volts or there is damage or heavy corrosion to the terminals, replace the battery so you don’t find yourself trapped on the road.

– Remember the air filter. Keep your car air fresh and cool by cleaning out and possibly changing air filters before a long road trip. This is especially important if you plan to drive during the day in the sun.

– Pack light. Read up on your car’s weight load capacity in your owner’s manual so that you don’t overload your tires or car engine.

In an email interview with CNN Travel, Anthony Rodio, CEO of YourMechanic.com, said that “after staying parked for months or weeks, the top issues plaguing car owners are dead batteries and deflated tires.”

“You’ll know if your battery is dead if your engine won’t start. But tires can be trickier,” Rodio said. “Even full-looking tires can actually have inadequate tire pressure … so be sure to inflate all four tires to the vehicle’s recommended levels.”

Don’t forget your fluids

Cars can get thirsty just like their passengers.

“Engine oil and fluids are one of the most neglected car maintenance items,” Rodio said. “Timely oil changes are essential to car care because lubrication prevents friction between expensive metal engine parts.”

He also said oil is not a good place to go cheap. He recommends springing for a high quality oil “because it tends to last longer and is formulated to withstand extreme temperatures during hot summer months.” You can ask your mechanic for suggestions.

“Before a road trip, you’ll also want to be sure that your fluids, such as antifreeze and coolant, are fresh and full,” he said.

How to find cheaper gas

Apps can help you locate the least expensive gasoline in your area.

People still driving during the early part of the pandemic got spoiled on gas prices. But as the economy roars out of its pandemic slumber, prices on some things have shot up. That includes gasoline. (And the recent Colonial Pipeline cyberattack didn’t help matters in the Southeast).

Gas apps can help you in your quest to find less expensive gasoline. Here are a handful of popular options you might consider downloading to your smartphone:

– AAA Mobile: The mobile version of the famous AAA TripTik Planner comes with membership. Get price info along with best route planning.

– Gas Buddy: They also offer a card to save money on gas purchases.

– Gas Guru: Owned by Yellow Pages, it offers intel on car washes, auto repair and ATMs as well as gas prices.

– Geico: The insurance company has a mobile app to help you locate good prices near you.

– Waze: This crowdsourcing navigation app can also help send you to stations with cheaper prices.

How to stretch out a tank of gas

New York City: The city that never sleeps remains one of the best places to visit in the country. Its spectacular skyline, world-class museums and theaters and diverse eating options are just a glimpse of the things that make it a top destination. But the action isn't just in Manhattan these days: Cross the river to Brooklyn to see what everyone's talking about.

San Diego: Southern California residents know they have it good: Close to 365 days of sunshine a year, moderate temperatures and gorgeous beaches await visitors. Beer nerds -- especially West Coast hop lovers -- will delight in the thriving craft-brewery scene. The pace is decidedly relaxed, but there's still plenty to keep visitors occupied for a long weekend. The San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park (above) are not to be missed.

Austin: This Texan city's motto may be "Live Music Capital of the World," but that's far from the only thing on the menu for visitors. Outdoor lovers will want to hike or bike around Lady BIrd Lake, perhaps planning a post-sweat meal at one of Austin's well-regarded barbecue joints. The key down here is knowing that "moist" is the only answer when ordering brisket.

Chicago: Beautiful and sophisticated and yet still in touch with its playful side (think deep-dish pizza and helmet nachos at Wrigley Field), this Midwestern metropolis has something for everyone: museums, shopping, sports and a waterfront that's terrific for avid exercisers and people-watchers alike.

Grand Canyon: Said to be one of those places you just have to see with your own eyes to believe, the layered red rocks of this spectacular sight really can't sell itself on photos alone. The Grand Canyon is equally suitable for casual sightseers and enthusiastic hikers. True adventure seekers may opt for a sky-diving experience that'll showcase the park in a whole new adrenaline-rich light.

Kauai: Maui will never stop being beautiful and blissful, and The Big Island will never cease to draw visitors to its diverse terrain. But Kauai, one of Hawaii's slightly less-trodden islands, is an oasis for visitors looking to chill out or get their surf on. Na Pali coast seen from a helicopter may be the ultimate splurge that's actually worth it.

New Orleans: Called "The Big Easy," Louisiana's premier destination is full of culture, fantastic food and unbelievable architecture. Go for the live music, stay a little longer for the muffaletta.

North Fork, Long Island: You could fight the crowds and traffic on your way to The Hamptons, but for a more relaxed (not to mention affordable) sojourn outside of New York City, there's this gem. Wine tasting is one of the area's best activities, and once you've had your fill at the likes of Paumanok or Shinn Estate Vineyards, prepare to be delighted by the many culinary delights on offer.

Denver: It doesn't get much better than walking around a city and viewing majestic mountains. Denver (and its surrounding areas) is a great base for skiers and snowboarders, but the city is worth a visit any time of year. Hip, artsy neighborhoods boast buttery pastries, rich coffee and cool, vintage finds. Baseball fans will want to head downtown to catch a game at Coors Field.

Nashville: Music City certainly lives up to its name, but rapid expansion means that there's so much more to see and hear than what exists on lower Broadway. So while you won't want to miss Robert's Western World, the local favorite for traditional honky-tonk music, a stop in the city's east side, dubbed the Brooklyn of Nashville, for a bite or drink or a yoga class is a must.

Las Vegas: Vibrant nightlife, over-the-top (and often outstanding) restaurants and dazzling shows make up just a few of the draws of the desert city. You don't have to gamble to have a good time; plenty of the resorts along the strip have spa facilities and poolside retreats that promise to deliver something approaching serenity amid the bright lights, big city atmosphere.

Portland, Oregon: You could potentially spend all weekend exploring the eclectic neighborhoods of this friendly Pacific Northwest city, eating and drinking your way from one end to the other. But if that's all you do, you'll miss out on ample outdoor exploring opportunities right in Portland's backyard. Mount Hood, Willamette Valley and more await visitors needing a break from the lively city culture.

Puerto Rico: Despite Hurricane Maria's devastation, this is one remarkably resilient place. Businesses -- including hotels, resorts and restaurants -- are continuing to get back up and running, and the truth is this: Few places are as magical as Old San Juan.

Seattle: Summers in this fast-growing metropolis might just be heaven on Earth, if you believe in that sort of thing. Locals have permanent smiles fixed on their faces, the sun is shining, and while there may be long lines to get to the top of the Space Needle, you probably won't mind too much. The Museum of Pop Culture, next door, is an excellent place to spend a couple of hours after getting your fill at Pike Place Market.

Denali National Park: Another destination practically perfect in the summer months, Denali National Park is one of the top spots in Alaska for biking, hiking and camping. City-dwellers will want to spend a day or two in Anchorage getting acquainted -- and trying some ethereal wild salmon -- before making the trek to the national park.

Santa Fe: New Mexico's capital is a creative hotbed, and whether you're looking for really good food or turquoise jewelry, you'll find it here. Nature lovers may wish to visit Pecos National Historical Park, about 30 minutes outside of Santa Fe, while relaxation seekers may opt to take advantage of one of the city's luxurious spas.

Portland, Maine: The walkable downtown scene is an attractive asset of this city that is experiencing a food renaissance. Lobster lovers need not worry, but adventurous eaters will be duly rewarded. The Japanese food truck Mami is worth seeking out. But before you settle in with a local microbrew or glass of wine, head to the bay for a paddleboarding lesson or kayak rental.

San Francisco: Take the requisite, always stunning picture of the city's Golden Gate Bridge and then choose one of a number of diverse neighborhoods to explore such as the Mission District, Nob Hill or the recently revitalized Tenderloin. Spend another day wandering the streets of the country's oldest Chinatown and enjoy being a tourist in Fisherman's Wharf.

Glacier National Park: Montana's Rocky Mountain park includes 700 miles of hiking trails. If you go, you won't want to miss trekking to Hidden Lake. Animals you might see along your journey include bighorn sheep and bald eagles. Don't forget to look up at night wherever you are: The stars above this sky are almost unreal. So go ahead, be one with nature -- at least for a couple of days.

Miami: The Cuban influence in this part of southern Florida is alive and well, and it's a thing of beauty. Work on your tan on South Beach or just hang out at an open cafe/bar and people watch. When you've had enough sitting for one day, wander around the art galleries or kill a few hours at The Pérez Art Museum (PAMM).

Savannah: It would be unwise to take a trip to one of the oldest cities in the United States without visiting the famous historic Forsyth Fountain. Then again, it would also be unwise to spend a long weekend in Savannah without eating lunch at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room or going on a ghost tour.

Stowe, Vermont: The Green Mountain State may be known first and foremost for its idyllic landscapes, appropriate for all manner of outdoor activity including hiking, biking and skiing. Stowe, which is reminiscent of a European town, has all of that plus excellent eating options and local breweries, and it is home to The Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum.

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So you’ve tanked up on the best fuel bargain around. Now, how can you stretch out that full tank? AAA has some ideas. Here are few highlights:

– Drive the speed limit. AAA says aerodynamic drag causes fuel economy to drop off significantly as speeds increase above 50 mph.

– Don’t idle for too long. If your car will be stopped for more than 60 seconds, turn off the engine to save fuel. Many newer cars have automatic engine stop-start systems that do this.

– Develop a “coastal” state of mind. When coming up to a red light or stop sign, ease your foot off the gas early and allow your car to coast to a slower speed until you need to apply the brakes.

– Use your cruise control. This helps you keep a constant speed and save fuel. But AAA warns never use cruise control on slippery roads that could lead to a loss of control.

– Shields up! In hot weather, spread out a windshield sunscreen to lessen heat buildup. This reduces your need for air conditioning – and thus fuel – to cool down the car.

If it’s not blazing hot, try natural cooling.

“People are also surprised to learn that air conditioners use a lot of gas, so crack open the windows for a natural breeze when possible,” Rodio said.

Finally, regular maintenance of “spark plugs, fuel injector, air filters and fluids will help your engine run efficiently and avoid using too much gas,” he said.

Top image: Getty Images