The First Tank Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
Acquiring or getting your driver’s license is one of the best feelings in the world. But filling that gas tank for the first time? That’s when reality hits.
New drivers throw away hundreds of dollars on fuel without even knowing it. The problem isn’t the car. It’s the habits you form those first few months behind the wheel.
The good news is that saving fuel doesn’t necessarily take fancy footwork or expensive gear. The key is to understand a few basic techniques that experienced drivers rely on every day.
The following six strategies are incredibly strong for stretching every gallon. You’ll save money at the pump and create good driving habits for a lifetime.
Here’s to saving money already.
Technique #1: The Power of a Gentle Touch
The amount of money you use for fuel is governed by your right foot. Full-throttle acceleration uses more gas than almost anything else you can do in a car.
Why Aggressive Driving Is Wasting Your Money
When you step on the gas, your engine is working hard to give that extra burst of speed. This takes much more fuel than slow acceleration.
Research indicates that aggressive driving decreases the fuel efficiency of vehicles between 15% and 30%, particularly on highways. In city traffic, the waste rises to 10% to 40%.
Which means it could translate into a car that generally gets 30 miles per gallon falling to 21 just because you’re getting heavy with the pedal.
The Dimmer Switch Method
Consider your gas pedal as a dimmer, not an on-off switch. Apply pressure smoothly and gradually.
Light goes green? Accelerate slowly. Take 5 seconds to reach 15 miles per hour instead of 2 seconds. This simple maneuver conserves fuel right away.
Your passengers won’t mind a better ride either. It’s hard for anything to move forward when you are jerked back and forth with the sudden starts and stops.
Braking Eats Your Money
With every hard brake, you waste all the fuel it took to build up that speed. The energy vanishes as heat in your brake pads.
Look ahead and anticipate stops. If you see a red light 500 feet ahead, lift your foot off the gas now. Ease off and let the car coast to a natural slow.
This saves fuel and extends the life of your brakes. Plus, you’ll spend less on gas and maintenance.
| Style | City MPG Loss | Highway MPG Loss | Annual Cost (at $3.50/gal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gentle driving | 0% | 0% | $0 |
| Normal acceleration | 10-15% | 5-10% | $150-$250 |
| Hard driving | 30-40% | 15-30% | $400-$700 |
Technique #2: Speed Limits Save More Than Just Lives
There’s something exciting about going fast when you are fresh behind the wheel. But speed is one of the foremost fuel wasters on the highway.
The 50 MPH Sweet Spot
Optimal fuel economy is found between 40 and 50 miles per hour for most vehicles. You get very diminishing returns on your fuel efficiency above a speed of 50 MPH.
For each 5 miles per hour you drive over the speed of 50 MPH, it’s as if you had paid an additional 27 cents for each gallon. If you’re doing 70 MPH, you’re burning a lot more gas than if you’d be driving 55 MPH (for equal distance).
This is due to wind resistance. At faster speeds, your car moves through more air. That’s drag that your engine has to work against by using more fuel.
Highway Driving Strategy
Drive the speed limit on the highway. If it’s a 65 MPH limit, there’s no need to go 75 MPH because other drivers are speeding around you.
Those added 10 miles per hour will save you a whopping 3 minutes over a 30-mile trip. But they’ll cost you several dollars in wasted fuel.
Use your cruise control when traffic conditions permit. This helps maintain speed, and it keeps you from those small accelerations that waste gas.
City Streets Work Differently
In town, there is a constant interruption of stops and starts. Focus on steady speeds between lights, not racing to the next red.
Watch traffic patterns ahead. If you spot brake lights a block away, start to ease off the gas. If you can time the light and find a gap in traffic, you’ll save fuel and not have to brake as hard.
A lot of new drivers believe zipping between stoplights gets them there faster. It doesn’t. You just wind up sitting at the red light down the street while you burn a little extra gas.
Technique #3: Your Tires Know the Secret to Saving on a Tank of Gas
The vast majority of new drivers simply disregard their tires. This one mistake can shave 3% to 5% from your fuel economy without you realizing it.
Why Tire Pressure Is So Important
Under-inflated tires have higher rolling resistance. Your engine works harder to propel the car forward, wasting additional fuel with every mile.
For every 1 PSI (pound per square inch) your tire pressure drops below its optimal level, you’re losing approximately 0.2% of your fuel economy. If all four tires are 10 PSI below recommended pressure, you’re throwing away 2% to 3% of every tank.
That may not seem like a lot. But it does add up to hundreds of dollars over a year.
Finding the Right Pressure
Check your car’s door jamb. There’s a label on the driver’s side door frame that lists the correct air pressure for your tires.
Do not use the numbers that appear on the tire. The “tire pressure” printed on the side of the tire is not what you should inflate to; it’s what your tires are rated for.
Your average car takes about 30 to 35 PSI. Consult your specific vehicle just to make sure.
When and How to Check
Check tires once a month. Before you drive (and when your tires are cold).
Tires get hot from driving and will boost the pressure. The most accurate number is a “cold” reading.
You will need a basic tire pressure gauge. A few dollars at any auto parts store. A number of gas stations also offer air pumps with built-in gauges.
| PSI Level | Fuel Economy | Safety | Tire Wear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended PSI | Optimum | Safe | Even wear |
| 5 PSI under | 1-2% loss | Poor handling | Outer edges wear |
| 10 PSI under | 2-3% loss | Poor braking | Severe outer wear |
| 15+ PSI under | 5%+ loss | Dangerous | Rapid failure risk |
Technique #4: Unload Your Burden for Some Serious Savings
Young drivers are notorious for treating their automobile like a rolling closet. That gym bag you bought last week, textbooks you don’t use, camping gear from summer — they add up.
Every Pound Counts
Fuel economy decreases by 1% to 2% for every extra 100 pounds of weight in your car. That may not seem like a lot until you realize that many cars are dragging around 200 to 300 pounds of unnecessary junk.
Empty your trunk and back seat. Bring just the basics: spare tire, jack, and emergency kit.
Take off that roof rack when you’re not using it. Even an empty roof rack adds wind resistance and reduces fuel economy by 1% to 5%.
Smart Packing for Trips
When you do have to bring some stuff, put it in the car rather than on the roof. Cargo in a roof box or cargo carrier creates huge wind resistance.
A loaded roof rack can decrease fuel economy 10% to 25% at highway speeds. That’s a steep cost of convenience.
Pack your heavy items low and towards the front of the trunk. This helps prevent driving imbalance and loss of control.
The Seasonal Purge
Get into the habit of cleaning your car out once a month. You’d be shocked at how much stuff piles up.
That case of water bottles? Remove it when you arrive home. Winter emergency supplies in July? You can keep them in your garage through November.
Each item only chips away a little at your gas mileage. Together, they really matter.
Technique #5: Quit Idling and Start Saving
Drivers who have recently passed their driving tests often keep the car running while parked. This is a waste of fuel and serves no purpose.
The Idling Myth
Many people believe starting your car uses more gas than letting it idle. This was true 30 years ago. It’s completely false now.
Today’s cars use next to no fuel during start up. If you will be idling for more than 30 seconds, turn off your engine.
Ten minutes of idling uses about a quarter of a gallon of fuel. If you idle occasionally, that $1 or so might not hurt you — but it can add up to several dollars a week if you’re idling regularly.
When to Turn Off Your Engine
Waiting for someone near a store? Turn it off.
Parked in a lot chatting on the phone? Turn it off.
Stopped by a mile-long train at the railroad crossing? Turn it off.
The exception is being stuck in traffic or stopped at a red light that you know will turn soon.
The Warm-Up Waste
Your grandpa may have advised you to warm up the car for 5 or 10 minutes on a cold day. This advice is outdated.
Cars no longer require a warm-up period. Turn on the vehicle and drive gently for a minute or two. The motor heats up quicker on the road than while parked.
Idling to warm up your car not only wastes fuel but also contributes to unnecessary pollution. Nor does it heat up things like your transmission and wheel bearings which are critical components.
| Time | Fuel Used | Daily Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 0.04 gallons | $0.14 | $56 |
| 10 minutes | 0.08 gallons | $0.28 | $112 |
| 15 minutes | 0.12 gallons | $0.42 | $168 |
| 30 minutes | 0.24 gallons | $0.84 | $336 |
Technique #6: Learn to Plan Your Trips Like the Pros Do
New drivers often make one trip per errand, not combining them. This is an inefficient use of both time and fuel.
The Cold Start Problem
It takes more gas to start a vehicle with an engine that is cold. The engine is running rich (burning a bit of extra fuel) until it warms up to normal temperature.
This is about 5-10 minutes of driving. If you take three separate journeys, you have three cold starts and triple the extra fuel that is consumed.
Consolidate trips for errands. This prevents the engine from cooling down and becoming less efficient.
Route Planning Basics
Write down what you need to do before you leave. Then plot the quickest course.
Hit the furthest location first, then make your way back home. This way, you avoid backtracking and going around in circles.
Check the traffic on your phone’s map app. Being stuck in traffic burns gas and gets you nowhere.
The Right Time Matters
Avoid rush hour when possible. Stop-and-go traffic destroys fuel economy.
Running errands midmorning or midafternoon will often mean lighter traffic and better fuel consumption.
For quick tasks, weekday mornings on typically gridlocked streets are best when you want to save gas.
Combining Trips Saves Big
Let’s say you need to run to the bank, make a quick stop at the grocery store, and go to the gym. You could be driving up to 15 miles if you are doing three trips individually.
Planning one efficient route could cut that to 8 miles. Congratulations! You have just saved 7 miles of driving and the gas it takes to get there.
If you do this as often as possible, you will save hundreds of miles and gallons of gas each year.
Bonus Tips That Add Up Over Time
Taken individually, these extra habits might only save a small amount. But combined, they really do amplify your fuel-saving activities.
Use Air Conditioning Wisely
At low speeds (under 40 MPH), roll down your windows instead of using the AC. AC can decrease fuel economy by up to 25% in certain situations.
At freeway speeds, close the windows and crank up the AC. When driving at high speeds, open windows create drag that wastes more fuel than air conditioning.
Regular Maintenance Pays Off
Your car uses more gasoline if you don’t take care of it. Follow your car’s maintenance schedule.
Change the oil on time. Although a clogged air filter in a modern car won’t affect fuel economy much, other neglected maintenance will.
Fix that check engine light. It may signal something that’s burning fuel right now.
Choose the Right Fuel
Use the gasoline grade that your car’s manual suggests. Putting premium gas into a car that is designed for regular doesn’t improve anything.
But if your car requires premium, don’t skimp. Running regular can make the engine run poorly and even cause damage over time.
Park Smart
Pick a parking space that allows you to pull through rather than back out later. This little action shaves a few seconds off of idling.
Shade your car when parking during the summer. A cooler car requires less AC, which means your car burns less fuel.
Your Fuel-Saving Action Plan
You don’t have to master all these techniques at once. Begin with the simplest ones and grow from there.
Week 1: Practice smooth acceleration and gentle braking. This one change will save you the most money.
Week 2: Check and adjust your tire pressure. This takes 10 minutes, and it pays dividends for months.
Week 3: Clean out your car and ditch extra weight. Make this a monthly habit.
Week 4: Plan your trips by grouping errands. Start avoiding unnecessary idling.
By the month’s end, these methods will be second nature. You’ll never have to think about them again — you’ll just do them automatically.
The savings add up fast. A new driver following all six tips could easily save $500 to $1,000 per year in gasoline purchases. That’s money you could spend on stuff you actually like.
For more comprehensive strategies and detailed guides on fuel-saving driving techniques, explore additional resources that can help you maximize your savings at the pump.
Real Results from Real Drivers
Sarah, a college student, managed to get her monthly gas bill from $180 down to $120 using these methods. She bundled errands, avoided aggressive driving, and kept her tires at the right pressure.
Mike, with his new license, saved $75 in his first month just by eliminating hard accelerations and planning his routes more effectively.
These are not special people with special cars. They are average drivers that learned to make every gallon count.
You can do this too. Begin today with any one technique and practice as often as you can. Watch your fuel gauge empty slower. Compare how far each tank gets you.
Your wallet will thank you. Your car will last longer. You’ll be a better, safer driver for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money will I actually save doing these things?
Most new drivers save between $400 and $1,000 per year using all six methods. The amount depends on how much you drive and the price of gas at any given time. Even if you only employ one or two techniques, you could save $200 to $300 a year.
Does cruise control really save gas?
Yes, on flat highways cruise control helps maintain a steady pace. It eliminates the little fluctuations in speed that waste gas. But on hilly roads, cruise control can guzzle fuel by accelerating unnecessarily. Best used on level highways.
How frequently should I check my tire pressure?
Check tire pressure at least once a month, as well as before long road trips. Temperature affects pressure, so check more frequently during seasonal changes. Always measure when tires are cold (driven less than a mile) for the most accurate reading.
Should I fill my tank all the way up or in small increments?
Fill your tank completely. The weight difference between a full and partial tank is insignificant to fuel economy. Making extra trips to the gas station wastes time and fuel driving there.
Do you get better gas mileage with premium gas instead of regular?
Only if your car’s manual specifically calls for premium fuel. Running premium in a car that is engineered to run on regular offers no advantages and wastes money. Always use the octane listed in your owner’s manual.
How long should I warm up my car during the winter months?
Modern cars require no warm-up. Start the car and drive gently for the first minute or two. The engine warms up quicker while driving than while idling. Warming up via idling wastes fuel and harms air quality.
Do you use more gas with windows down than the A/C on?
It depends on your speed. At low speeds (below 40 mph), open windows are fine. At highway speeds, open windows cause drag that costs more fuel than the air conditioning. Use AC for highways, open windows in town.
Do I really need to take my roof rack off?
Yes, even empty roof racks increase aerodynamic drag. At highway speeds, that can cut fuel economy 1% to 5%. A fully loaded roof rack can reduce efficiency by 10% to 25%. Remove racks when not in use.
What is it about aggressive driving that burns up so much more gas?
Fast acceleration forces your engine to burn much more fuel to generate power quickly. Aggressive driving can result in 15-30% lower highway mileage and up to 40% worse city mileage. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, gentle driving keeps the engine running in its most efficient range.
Can I save gas by coasting in neutral downhill?
No, and it’s dangerous and illegal in most states. Modern cars with fuel injection completely stop sending fuel when coasting in gear. In neutral, the engine burns fuel to maintain idle speed. For optimum savings and safety, always coast in gear.
