How Often Should You Stop for Gas While Traveling Long-Distance by Car?
The frequency with which you should stop for gas while traveling long-distance by car largely depends on your car's fuel capacity, fuel efficiency, and the driving conditions of your route.
Understanding Your Car's Fuel Efficiency
To begin, assess the size of your car's fuel tank and its average miles per gallon (MPG). Multiply the tank's capacity by its MPG to determine the number of miles your vehicle can travel before needing a refill. For example, if you have a 15-gallon tank and an average of 20 MPG, you can travel approximately 300 miles without needing to refuel. Use this as a starting point for budgeting your travel.
Accounting for Driving Conditions
Next, factor in the average speed limits and traffic conditions of your route. Highway trips through densely populated areas, like traveling the I-40 from Wilmington, North Carolina to Barstow, California, typically offer more frequent stops due to their proximity to gas stations. Conversely, regions with sparse population and long stretches of road, such as much of the American west, require more strategic planning.
Calculating Safe Driving Intervals
To calculate safe driving intervals, divide the total miles you can travel by the speed limit. For a 300-mile range at a 75-mile-per-hour speed limit, you can safely drive for approximately 4 hours before needing to stop. However, it's wiser to plan for a stop every 3.75 hours to account for smooth refueling.
General Best Practices for Safe Fueling
My rule of thumb is to fill up when you're down to a quarter-tank. Pushing the fuel level too low adds avoidable risk, such as significant delays if the nearest gas station is unexpectedly closed due to a power outage. Additionally, consider stopping for meals or to use the restroom, as this is a good opportunity to fill up as well.
Regional Considerations
Your approach to fueling will vary widely based on where you are traveling. In highly populated areas, you might find opportunities to refuel frequently, whereas remote regions can stretch gas station distances to hundreds of miles.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Historically, I've had a close call with running out of gas while driving through Wyoming. Ignoring my fuel gauge until it was less than a quarter-full led me to coast into a community on fumes. This experience emphasizes the importance of managing your fuel levels carefully, especially in mountainous terrain or extreme weather conditions.
Strategy for Less Populated Areas
If you're venturing into less densely populated areas, or in countries like Australia where stretches between gas stations can be vast, it's crucial to plan your route in advance and know where and how often you will refuel. Some countries, such as Australia, present specific challenges due to their vast distances between fuel stations and potential dangers of running out of gas.
In summary, the number of stops you make while traveling long-distance by car depends on your car's fuel efficiency, the condition of the road, and the weather. By understanding these factors and applying best practices, you can ensure a smoother and safer journey.