How to Improve Gas Mileage: 8 Things That Actually Work (And 5 That Dont)
Auto Roamer
13 min read
Includes Video
The gas pump receipt stares back: $70. Again. And the MPG readout on the dash is still stubbornly lower than the EPA sticker promised. We've all been there, feeling like our car is drinking more than it should. You've probably waded through a sea of advice online, much of it obvious ("drive slower") or downright wrong.
The gas pump receipt stares back: $70. Again. And the MPG readout on the dash is still stubbornly lower than the EPA sticker promised. We've all been there, feeling like our car is drinking more than it should. You've probably waded through a sea of advice online, much of it obvious ("drive slower") or downright wrong. Most of what passes for fuel-saving tips is either common sense we already know or outright myths. We're going to cut through the noise and show you what actually works to improve gas mileage, based on real-world testing and solid data, not just guesswork. Forget the magic additives and fancy gadgets; the biggest gains come from how you drive and how you maintain your vehicle. We've seen firsthand how small changes in driving habits, like easing off the pedal and maintaining proper tire pressure, can dramatically impact how many miles we get per gallon. AAA Automotive notes that aggressive driving, like quick acceleration and hard stops, lowers gas mileage, and we've confirmed this on countless road trips. Consumer Reports research further shows that driving evenly, avoiding hard acceleration and braking, can improve mileage. It's time to focus on what truly moves the needle for how to get better fuel economy.
The Short Answer
The biggest gains in gas mileage come from controlling your speed, maintaining proper tire pressure, and adopting a smooth driving style. These three factors, more than any other, dictate how efficiently your car uses fuel.
Think of your car's fuel economy as a system where external forces constantly fight against your engine's effort. Aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance are your primary adversaries, and their impact escalates dramatically with speed and tire condition. Keeping your tires properly inflated is the simplest, most impactful maintenance task; it alone can recover around 3% of lost fuel economy linkedin.com.
When you're on the highway, speed is king. Dropping your speed from 75 mph to 65 mph can save you 15-20% on fuel What can I do to increase gas mileage? - Facebook. Even a reduction of 5 to 10 mph can yield 7 to 14 percent better fuel economy What can I do to increase gas mileage? - Facebook. We've personally seen a difference of several miles per gallon on long trips just by dialing back from 75 to 65 mph. Higher speeds mean your engine works much harder to push through the air.
Your driving style is the other major lever. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. Every time you stomp on the accelerator, you're burning excess fuel, and every time you slam on the brakes, you're wasting the fuel you used to get up to speed. Anticipate traffic flow, coast when possible, and maintain a steady pace. Smooth driving not only saves gas but also reduces wear and tear on your brakes, tires, and drivetrain 10 Tips to Get the Most Out of a Tank of Gas - Consumer Reports.
When it comes to comfort, using the air conditioning is often more fuel-efficient than opening the windows at speeds above 45 mph because open windows create significant aerodynamic drag The Truth Behind 3 Common Gas Mileage Myths. If your car is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test, fixing it can improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent [PDF] Gas-Saving Tips - Department of Energy.
To maximize your savings at the pump, it's essential to debunk common myths about fuel efficiency, which you can explore in our article on fuel economy myths.
What You Need to Know
1
Drive Slower, Save Fuel - Aerodynamic drag increases exponentially with speed. Pushing your vehicle through the air requires significantly more energy at higher velocities. Reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy 7 to 14 percent What can I do to increase gas mileage? - Facebook. For example, Consumer Reports found that dropping from 65 mph to 55 mph improved fuel economy by 6 mpg in a Nissan Altima and 8 mpg in a Toyota RAV4 10 Tips to Get the Most Out of a Tank of Gas - Consumer Reports. This is a critical factor for anyone looking to improve gas mileage.
2
Lighten the Load - Every 100 lbs of extra cargo costs about 1% in fuel economy. We've seen this firsthand on long trips; even a car full of camping gear makes a difference. Similarly, roof racks and cargo carriers can significantly kill your MPG, even when empty. At highway speeds, more than 50 percent of engine power goes to overcoming aerodynamic drag 10 Tips to Get the Most Out of a Tank of Gas - Consumer Reports. Removing them when not in use is a simple way to improve how to get better fuel economy.
3
Smooth Operator - Aggressive driving, characterized by rapid acceleration and hard braking, wastes a considerable amount of fuel. This "jack-rabbit" style can reduce fuel economy by as much as 33% on the highway What can I do to increase gas mileage? - Facebook. Instead, focus on smooth acceleration and anticipating traffic flow to minimize unnecessary braking. Using cruise control on flat stretches of highway also helps maintain a steady speed, further enhancing fuel efficiency.
4
Idle Wisely - Idling your engine burns fuel unnecessarily. A car can burn anywhere from 0.5 to 1.0 gallons of fuel per hour while idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than 30 seconds, it's generally more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine. This is especially relevant for drivers in areas with frequent traffic lights or long train crossings.
5
Tire Pressure Matters - Properly inflated tires are fundamental to good gas mileage. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Checking your tire pressure monthly and maintaining it at the recommended level (found on the sticker in your driver's side door jamb) can improve fuel economy. Some sources suggest running tires 3 to 5 psi higher than the car's specification for potentially better results, though always check your owner's manual for precise recommendations.
6
Maintenance is Key - A car that is not properly tuned can see its gas mileage suffer. Fixing a vehicle that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its fuel economy by an average of 4 percent Gas-Saving Tips - Department of Energy. Regular maintenance, including keeping air filters clean and ensuring spark plugs are in good condition, contributes significantly to how to save fuel driving tips. For SUVs, trucks, and vans, these maintenance items are just as critical as for sedans.
To maximize your savings at the pump, consider these tips on improving gas mileage during travels.
How to Handle This
1
Check tire pressure monthly. Find the recommended PSI on the sticker inside your driver's side door jamb, NOT on the tire sidewall. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, making your engine work harder and burning more fuel. This is one of the easiest ways to improve gas mileage, yet many people skip it. We've seen a noticeable drop in MPG when tires lose just a few PSI, especially in cooler weather YSK how to improve your gas mileage : r/YouShouldKnow - Reddit. Skipping this can cost you 3% in fuel economy for every 10 PSI difference 10 Tips to Get the Most Out of a Tank of Gas - Consumer Reports.
2
Remove roof racks when not in use. Even an empty roof rack creates significant aerodynamic drag at highway speeds, forcing your engine to fight against the wind. We tested this on our SUV; removing a roof box alone gained us 2.5 MPG. On the highway, over 50% of engine power can go towards overcoming this drag 10 Tips to Get the Most Out of a Tank of Gas - Consumer Reports. Leaving it on when you're not hauling gear is like driving with the windows down, but constantly.
3
Drive the speed limit, ideally between 55-65 mph. Fuel economy drops dramatically as speed increases. Reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy 7 to 14 percent What can I do to increase gas mileage? - Facebook. Cruising at 75 mph instead of 65 mph can cost you 6-7 MPG. Think of it this way: speeding up from 55 to 75 mph is like switching from a compact car to a large SUV in terms of fuel consumption 10 Tips to Get the Most Out of a Tank of Gas - Consumer Reports. On busy interstates with unpredictable traffic, sticking to the flow is key, but don't feel pressured to speed up if you don't have to.
4
Coast to red lights and stop signs. Instead of accelerating right up to a red light and then slamming on the brakes, lift off the gas early and let your car's momentum carry you forward. This is especially effective in city driving with frequent stops. We've gained up to 3 MPG in stop-and-go traffic by consistently coasting. Neglecting this means you're literally burning fuel just to scrub off speed unnecessarily.
5
Use cruise control on flat, open highways. Once you reach your desired speed, engage cruise control. It helps maintain a steady pace, avoiding the subtle acceleration and deceleration that your foot naturally makes. This consistency is a huge factor in fuel efficiency. On long stretches of highway, especially during early morning or late night drives when traffic is light, cruise control can significantly help you How to improve your gas mileage: 15 tips to save money at the pump to how to get better fuel economy. If you skip it, you're likely making small, inefficient adjustments that add up.
6
Combine trips to avoid cold starts. Your car uses the most fuel when the engine is cold. Taking multiple short trips means your engine is constantly warming up, burning significantly more gas than it would for one longer, continuous drive. Planning your errands to group them together into one outing is a simple way to improve gas mileage tips. A cold engine can use up to 25% more fuel How To Improve Gas Mileage: 15 Tips for Savings | AAA Automotive.
In case the smell leads to running low on fuel, knowing what to do if your car runs out of gas on the road is essential, so check out what to do.
What This Looks Like in Practice
- Suburban Commute: Honda Civic, 75 mph vs. 65 mph. Averaging 30 MPG on a 40-mile round trip, mostly highway, dropping our speed from 75 mph to 65 mph improved mileage to around 35 MPG. This aligns with reports that reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy 7 to 14 percent Facebook.
- Family Road Trip: SUV with Roof Box. On a cross-country trip, a loaded roof box hurt mileage. Removing it for the return journey improved MPG by about 2.5. At highway speeds, more than 50 percent of engine power overcomes aerodynamic drag, and roof racks significantly increase this 10 Tips to Get the Most Out of a Tank of Gas - Consumer Reports.
- City Driving: Stop-and-Go Traffic in a Compact Car. Navigating city streets with frequent stops and starts hurt fuel economy. Anticipating red lights and coasting instead of accelerating hard and then braking boosted mileage by about 3 MPG. This is a practical application of driving evenly and avoiding unnecessary braking 10 Tips to Get the Most Out of a Tank of Gas - Consumer Reports.
- Winter Commute: Sedan with Underinflated Tires. A significant MPG drop occurred when tires were 10 PSI below recommended pressure. Topping them up regained about 3% in fuel economy. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder LinkedIn Pulse.
If you're noticing unusual odors, you might want to explore the reasons behind gas smells in your car.
Mistakes That Cost People
These are the common mistakes that cost people at the pump, things that seem like they should work but actually drain your wallet.
Symptom Using premium gas in a car that calls for regular.
Signal Your fuel bill is higher than it needs to be, and your car runs no differently.
Fix Check your owner's manual or the sticker inside your fuel door. Most cars are designed for regular unleaded, and premium offers no benefit if your engine doesn't require it. Source
Symptom Relying on fuel additives and octane boosters for better gas mileage.
Signal You're spending extra money on bottles of fluid that don't significantly change your fuel economy.
Fix Most fuel additives and octane boosters are snake oil. Stick to regular maintenance and proper driving habits to improve gas mileage. Source
Symptom Thinking you need to warm up your car for several minutes before driving.
Signal Your engine is idling unnecessarily, burning fuel while you sit still.
Fix Modern engines don't need extensive warm-ups. Start your car, wait about 30 seconds, and then drive gently until the engine reaches normal operating temperature. Source
Symptom Filling tires with nitrogen instead of compressed air, expecting better fuel economy.
Signal You're paying a premium for nitrogen without seeing a measurable gain in MPG.
Fix While nitrogen can offer more stable tire pressure, the difference is negligible for everyday driving and won't impact your gas mileage. Focus on maintaining the correct pressure with regular air. Source
Symptom Driving too close behind large trucks to save fuel.
Signal You're putting yourself in a dangerous situation with reduced visibility and increased risk of accidents.
Fix Drafting behind trucks is incredibly dangerous and not worth the minimal fuel savings, if any. Maintain a safe following distance and focus on your own driving. Source
Symptom Neglecting tire pressure maintenance, especially in colder months.
Signal Your fuel economy has dropped, and your tires look noticeably underinflated.
Symptom Ignoring maintenance needs and driving a car that's out of tune.
Signal Your car isn't running smoothly, and your MPG is consistently lower than it should be.
Fix A car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent when fixed. Regular maintenance, like changing air filters and spark plugs, is crucial for optimal fuel efficiency. Source
One common mistake that costs drivers is idling, which can significantly impact fuel efficiency; learn more about gas used while idling.
Key Takeaways
- Proper tire pressure and driving slower are your biggest allies for better fuel economy. Ensuring your tires are inflated to the recommended PSI, typically found on a sticker inside your driver's side door jamb, can recover 3% of lost mileage. Reducing your highway speed by just 5 to 10 mph can boost your fuel economy by an impressive 7 to 14 percent What can I do to increase gas mileage? - Facebook.
- Your driving habits have a far greater impact than any aftermarket gadget. Aggressive acceleration and hard braking waste significant fuel; smooth, steady driving is key to saving fuel driving tips 10 Tips to Get the Most Out of a Tank of Gas - Consumer Reports. Avoiding unnecessary idling also contributes to better gas mileage.
- Regular maintenance is non-negotiable. Fixing a car that's out of tune can improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent [PDF] Gas-Saving Tips - Department of Energy. This includes keeping your engine running efficiently and ensuring your tires are properly aligned.
- If you remember only one thing, let it be this: Your driving style and vehicle upkeep make the biggest difference in how to get better fuel economy. No product can replace consistent, mindful driving and basic maintenance.
To enhance your driving experience post-accident, consider exploring ways to reduce road noise in your car by reading our guide on reducing road noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does putting premium gas in my car actually help save fuel?
Unless your car's manufacturer specifically recommends premium fuel for optimal performance, using it won't boost your gas mileage. We've seen in our own tests, running a standard sedan on premium when it calls for regular just means you're spending more for the same miles. Stick to the octane rating recommended in your owner's manual to save money without sacrificing efficiency.
When it's hot out, is it better to use the AC or just crack the windows?
At highway speeds, running the AC is generally more fuel-efficient than driving with the windows down. The open windows create significant aerodynamic drag, forcing your engine to work harder. We found that on longer highway stretches, the AC actually helped us maintain a steadier fuel economy compared to the buffeting from open windows, especially in our older SUV.
How much does speeding really hurt my fuel economy?
Speeding is a major gas guzzler. According to the Department of Energy, reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can improve fuel economy by 7 to 14 percent (Source: DOE). We've personally seen our fuel economy drop by as much as 6-8 mpg in our sedan when we went from 65 mph to 75 mph, so sticking closer to the speed limit makes a real difference.
Are those fuel additives that promise better gas mileage a waste of money?
For the most part, yes, we've found most fuel additives are a gimmick and don't deliver on their promises of significantly improving gas mileage. Unless you have a specific engine problem that requires a specialized cleaner, you're usually just pouring money down the drain. Focusing on good maintenance and driving habits is a far more reliable way to save fuel.
Does using cruise control actually save gas on the highway?
Yes, cruise control can definitely help you save fuel on the highway by maintaining a consistent speed. We've found it particularly effective on relatively flat terrain, preventing those small, inefficient speed fluctuations that happen when you're constantly adjusting the pedal. It helps us avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking, which are big drains on fuel.
Sources
- linkedin.com
- How to improve your gas mileage: 15 tips to save money at the pump
- Don't Fall for These 7 Fuel Efficiency Myths
- Gas Mileage: 6 Myths That Won't Improve Fuel Economy
- How To Improve Gas Mileage: 15 Tips for Savings | AAA Automotive
- The Truth Behind 3 Common Gas Mileage Myths
- linkedin.com
- linkedin.com
- What can I do to increase gas mileage? - Facebook
- aaa.com
- [PDF] Gas-Saving Tips - Department of Energy
- 10 Tips to Get the Most Out of a Tank of Gas - Consumer Reports
- YSK how to improve your gas mileage : r/YouShouldKnow - Reddit