How to Save Gas Just by Changing Your Driving Habits

Fuel efficiency isn’t just about your car—it’s also about how you drive. Small adjustments to your driving habits can significantly reduce fuel consumption and save money at the pump. Here’s how to maximize your MPG without any mechanical modifications.

1. Accelerate Smoothly

• Why? Rapid acceleration burns extra fuel.
• Fix: Press the gas pedal gently, aiming for gradual speed increases.
• Savings: Up to 20% better efficiency in city driving.

2. Maintain a Steady Speed

• Why? Constant speed reduces fuel-wasting acceleration/deceleration.
• Fix: Use cruise control on highways when safe.
• Bonus: Avoid unnecessary lane changes, which often require speed adjustments.

3. Anticipate Traffic Flow

• Why? Braking wastes energy converted from fuel.
• Fix: Look ahead and coast to stops instead of braking hard.
• Savings: 5–10% better mileage in stop-and-go traffic.

4. Reduce Idling

• Why? Idling burns fuel without moving the car.
• Fix: Turn off the engine if stopped for more than 30 seconds.
• Exception: Modern engines use less fuel restarting than idling long periods.

5. Stay Within Speed Limits

• Why? Aerodynamic drag increases exponentially at higher speeds.
• Fix: Driving 65 mph instead of 75 mph can improve efficiency by 10–15%.

6. Use Higher Gears (Manual Drivers)

• Why? Lower RPMs mean less fuel burned.
• Fix: Shift up early (around 2,000–2,500 RPM) without lugging the engine.

7. Lighten the Load

• Why? Extra weight decreases MPG.
• Fix: Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and roof racks when not in use.
• Impact: Every 100 lbs reduces efficiency by 1–2%.

8. Plan Efficient Routes

• Why? Fewer stops and shorter distances save fuel.
• Fix: Use GPS apps with traffic data to avoid congestion.

9. Keep Tires Properly Inflated

• Why? Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance.
• Fix: Check pressure monthly; follow the door jamb sticker’s recommendation (not the tire’s max PSI).
• Savings: Proper inflation improves MPG by 3%.

10. Use Air Conditioning Wisely

• Why? AC increases fuel consumption.
• Fix: At low speeds, open windows. On highways, use AC (open windows create drag).

Bonus: Track Your Progress

• Use your car’s real-time MPG display (if equipped) to monitor habits.
• Apps like Fuelly can help track long-term savings.

Final Thoughts

By adopting these habits, you can improve fuel efficiency by 10–30%, depending on driving conditions. The best part? It costs nothing to start saving.

Which of these habits do you already follow? Share your tips below.