With gas prices always on the rise, getting better mileage out of your car is something we can all get behind. The good news? You don’t need a fancy hybrid to save fuel—just a few small changes can make a big difference. Here are ten simple tips to help you get better gas mileage in any car.
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Under-inflated tires are sneaky gas guzzlers. When your tires aren’t at the right pressure, they create more resistance, making your car work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly (a quick trip to the gas station will do), and keep them inflated to the recommended level.
Lighten Your Load
Carrying around extra weight in your trunk? Your car has to burn more fuel to haul it all around. Remove unnecessary items, like that box of books or the gym gear you never use. The lighter your car, the less fuel it’ll need to move.
Drive at a Steady Speed
Rapid acceleration and sudden braking burn more gas than you might think. Try to maintain a steady speed when possible, and use cruise control on highways to avoid wasting fuel. Smooth and steady wins the gas-saving race.
Avoid Idling Too Long
Idling gets you exactly zero miles per gallon. If you’re parked for more than a minute or two, turn off your engine. Modern cars don’t need time to “warm up,” and starting your engine uses less fuel than idling for extended periods.
Use the Air Conditioning Sparingly
Blasting the AC can put extra strain on your engine, which burns more fuel. On cooler days, roll down your windows instead. If you’re driving at highway speeds, though, keep the windows up—open windows create drag and can reduce efficiency.
Plan Your Trips
Combine errands into one trip instead of making multiple short drives. Cold engines use more fuel, so running all your errands in one go saves gas. Plus, you’ll save time, and who doesn’t love that?
Keep Your Engine in Shape
A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Regular oil changes, replacing air filters, and keeping up with tune-ups can improve your car’s fuel economy. Think of it as giving your car a little TLC to keep it performing its best.
Avoid High Speeds
Speeding might get you there faster, but it also guzzles gas. Most cars hit their optimal fuel efficiency at around 55–65 mph. Going above that can cause a noticeable drop in mileage, so slow down and enjoy the ride.
Use the Right Fuel
Using premium fuel when your car doesn’t need it is like overpaying for coffee. Check your owner’s manual to see what kind of gas your car requires. If regular unleaded is fine, don’t bother spending extra on premium—it won’t improve your mileage.
Be Smart with Accessories
Plugged-in gadgets and heated seats are nice, but they can drain power from your car’s systems and hurt fuel efficiency. Use them sparingly, especially on longer trips. Small changes like this can add up to better mileage.
Improving your gas mileage doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a few easy adjustments and a little awareness, you can save money at the pump and drive smarter. Your wallet—and the planet—will thank you.
