Fuel is one of the biggest ongoing costs of owning a car. The good news is that you don’t need a new vehicle to spend less at the pump. Small changes in how you drive and maintain your car can add up to real savings over a year.
Here are 12 proven habits to improve fuel economy, starting with the ones that make the biggest difference.
Driving Habits
1. Accelerate and Brake Smoothly
Aggressive driving (fast starts, hard braking, and speeding) is one of the biggest fuel wasters. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s fueleconomy.gov, it can lower gas mileage by roughly 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.
Try this: Imagine there’s an open cup of coffee on your dashboard. Press the accelerator gently and ease off early for stops.
2. Slow Down on the Highway
Most cars reach their best efficiency at moderate speeds. Above that, air resistance increases quickly, and fuel economy drops. Driving 65 mph instead of 75 mph can make a meaningful difference on long trips, and it’s usually only a few minutes slower.
3. Look Ahead and Anticipate
Watch traffic well ahead of you. If a light turns red down the road, lift off the accelerator and coast rather than driving up to it and braking hard. Every time you brake, you throw away energy you paid for. Keeping a safe following distance also makes this easier.
4. Use Cruise Control on Open Highways
Cruise control helps maintain a steady speed, which usually saves fuel on flat highways. On hilly roads, you may do better managing the throttle yourself, since cruise control can accelerate aggressively uphill.
5. Avoid Long Idling
An idling engine gets zero miles per gallon. If you’ll be parked for more than a short wait, turning the engine off usually saves fuel. Many newer cars have automatic start-stop systems that do this for you. Follow local rules and use common sense in traffic, of course.
Maintenance Habits
6. Keep Tires Properly Inflated
Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder. Underinflation also wears tires faster and reduces safety.
- Check pressure monthly with a gauge, when the tires are cold.
- Use the pressure on your driver’s door-jamb sticker, not the maximum listed on the tire.
- While you’re down there, check your tread depth too.
7. Follow the Maintenance Schedule
A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Stay on top of oil changes, air filters, and spark plugs as your owner’s manual recommends. Use the oil grade your manufacturer specifies, since the wrong viscosity can slightly reduce efficiency.
8. Fix Check Engine Problems Quickly
Some engine problems, like a faulty oxygen sensor or misfire, can significantly hurt fuel economy. If your check engine light comes on, get the code read. Our guide to dashboard warning lights explains what to do.
9. Get Your Alignment Checked
Wheels that are out of alignment drag slightly as you drive, wasting fuel and wearing tires unevenly. If your car pulls to one side or your steering wheel is off-center, have the alignment checked.
Weight and Aerodynamics
10. Remove Extra Weight
Carrying unnecessary weight makes your engine work harder. According to fueleconomy.gov, an extra 100 pounds can reduce fuel economy by about 1%, with a bigger effect on smaller cars. Clear out sports gear, tools, and boxes you don’t need every day.
11. Take Off Roof Racks and Cargo Boxes When Not in Use
Roof-mounted carriers disrupt airflow and add drag, especially at highway speeds. A large rooftop cargo box can reduce fuel economy significantly on the interstate. If you need extra space, a rear-mounted carrier usually creates less drag. Remove racks and boxes when you’re not using them.
12. Use the A/C Wisely
Air conditioning puts extra load on the engine, especially in hot weather and stop-and-go traffic. At lower speeds, opening the windows can be more efficient. At highway speeds, open windows add drag, so running the A/C moderately is often the better choice.
Plan Smarter Trips
How you plan your driving matters too:
- Combine errands into one trip. A warm engine is more efficient than a cold one, so several short trips from a cold start use more fuel than one longer trip covering the same distance.
- Avoid peak traffic when you can. Less stop-and-go means better mileage.
- Use navigation apps to avoid congestion and find efficient routes.
- Carpool or combine trips with family and coworkers.
Fuel Economy Myths to Ignore
- “Premium fuel improves mileage.” If your car is designed for regular fuel, premium generally won’t improve fuel economy. Use what your owner’s manual recommends.
- “You need to warm up the engine for several minutes.” Modern cars generally only need a short warm-up. Driving gently is the fastest way to warm the engine.
- “Fuel-saving gadgets work.” Be skeptical of add-on devices that promise big mileage gains. Proven habits beat miracle products.
Track Your Progress
Most modern cars show real-time and average fuel economy on the dashboard. Reset the trip computer, try these habits for a couple of weeks, and compare. Seeing the numbers improve is a great motivator.
Thinking About Your Next Car?
If fuel costs are a major concern, your next car could make an even bigger difference. Hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs can dramatically cut fuel use for the right driver. Compare the options in our guide to hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid vs. EV.
Fuel Economy FAQ
Which habit saves the most fuel?
For most drivers, smoother acceleration and braking and keeping to moderate highway speeds make the biggest difference. They cost nothing and start saving fuel immediately.
Does keeping the fuel tank full or empty affect mileage?
Not in any meaningful way. A full tank adds a little weight, but the effect is small. It’s better to avoid running very low on fuel, which can be hard on the fuel pump in some vehicles.
Does fuel economy change with the seasons?
Yes. Fuel economy is usually lower in cold weather because the engine takes longer to warm up, winter fuel blends contain slightly less energy, and tire pressure drops. Our guide on how to prepare your car for winter covers the steps that help.
Conclusion
Improving your fuel economy comes down to three things: drive smoothly, maintain your car, and cut unnecessary weight and drag. You don’t need to try all 12 habits at once. Start with smoother acceleration and correct tire pressure, since they’re easy and effective, then add more over time.
Find more money-saving car tips on the Toomi Online blog. Automotive brands and service providers can reach cost-conscious drivers through our guest post packages.