Going the Extra Mile: How to Improve Your Car's Fuel Efficiency

Better mileage starts with your car

The following tips are ways to maintain your car to get the maximum mileage from each tank. 

1. Maintain proper tire pressure

Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, making your engine work harder and thus reducing fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep it at the manufacturer’s recommended level. Properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by up to 3%.^[2]

2. Reduce excess weight

People keep a lot of stuff in their car. Some of this is important, like tools to fix a spare tire or jumper cables. Other stuff is trash or coats you’ve been meaning to bring in. Extra weight in your vehicle forces the engine to consume more fuel. Remove unnecessary items from your trunk and backseat to lighten the load. If you don’t need that rooftop cargo box, consider removing it, as it increases aerodynamic drag. Removing an extra 100 pounds from your vehicle can save up to 2%.^[3] 

3. Use the right motor oil

Using the manufacturer-recommended motor oil helps optimize engine performance and fuel efficiency. Look for “Energy Conserving” motor oils with friction-reducing additives. Using the correct motor oil, designed for your engine, can improve your gas mileage by 1 to 2%.^[3] 

4. Keep up with regular maintenance

A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Change your air filter, spark plugs and fuel filter as your vehicle’s owner’s manual recommends. A clogged air filter or dirty spark plugs can reduce fuel efficiency and overall performance. A clean air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10%.^[4]

Drive right to save

Now that your car is primed and ready to hit the road, let’s look at some driving habits that can improve your gas mileage. 

5. Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive driving

Rapid acceleration, hard braking and speeding can lower your fuel economy by up to 30% on the highway and 40% in stop-and-go traffic.^[5] Drive smoothly, maintain a steady speed, and anticipate traffic to avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration.

6. Use cruise control on highways

Using cruise control on long highway drives helps maintain a constant speed, which improves fuel efficiency. However, avoid using cruise control on hilly roads, as it may cause the engine to work harder to maintain speed.

7. Avoid idling

Idling consumes fuel without moving your car. Idling can use a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and if the AC is on. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, it’s better to turn off your engine rather than let it idle. (Note: This means when you’re parked and waiting, not in traffic at a long light.) Many newer cars have automatic start-stop systems to help reduce fuel waste.

8. Stick to the speed limit

Fuel efficiency decreases significantly at higher speeds. Most cars achieve their best fuel economy at speeds between 45 and 65 mph. Driving at 75 mph instead of 65 mph can lower your fuel efficiency by up to 14%.^[5]

9. Minimize air conditioning use

Air conditioning puts extra strain on your engine, reducing fuel economy. When driving at low speeds, consider rolling down the windows instead of using the AC. However, open windows can create drag at higher speeds, so using the AC may be the more efficient choice.

10. Use fuel-efficient driving modes

Many modern vehicles have driving modes like "Eco" or "Fuel Saver" that optimize throttle response and transmission shifts for better fuel economy. Activate these modes when fuel efficiency is a priority.

Lifestyle changes to improve fuel efficiency

Now for the bigger changes to your routine or even to your vehicle that can have a big impact on your savings at the pump. 

11. Plan your trips ffficiently

Combining errands into one trip instead of multiple short trips can save fuel by reducing the number of cold starts. A cold engine is less efficient and burns more fuel until it warms up. That said, as mentioned above about idling, if you’re going to stop for more than a minute, it makes sense to turn off the car and restart it. 

12. Consider carpooling or public transport

If possible, carpooling with coworkers or taking public transportation can significantly reduce fuel consumption. Sharing rides not only saves fuel but also lowers overall vehicle wear and tear.

13. Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle

If you’re in the market for a new car, consider fuel efficiency ratings. Hybrid and electric vehicles offer excellent fuel savings compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars. Some models have better fuel economy even within gas-powered options due to improved aerodynamics and engine technology.