Your Car Is Bleeding Money Right Now
Each time you stomp on the gas pedal, you waste fuel. Every time your tires are low on air, you’re losing gas.
Very few drivers ever need to think about these things. They merely gas up and gripe about high prices.
But here’s the reality: You dictate how much fuel your car consumes. You can save 20-30% or even more on fuel with just a few simple changes in the ways you drive.
That’s cash money back in your pocket every month.
Here are nine easy-to-implement driving tips that can cut your fuel use today. No expensive upgrades needed. No complicated techniques to master.
Only genius habits that will make your car more efficient.
Let’s start saving.
1. Smooth Acceleration is Your Friend
Why Jackrabbit Starts Are KILLING Your Fuel Economy
You really stomp on the gas pedal, and it feels potent. It’ll also drain your tank quickly.
When you’re heavy on the gas pedal, your engine is chewing through a whole lot more fuel than it needs. The engine has to strain to move all that weight in a hurry.
Smooth, incremental acceleration uses less fuel for the same outcome. You still get up to speed. You just go, without burning gas.
The 5-Second Rule for Accelerating
Go from zero to spirited in 5 seconds. Count in your mind: one, two, three, four, five.
This allows your engine to function correctly. Instead of being squandered, the fuel is burned to completion.
You’ll feel the difference immediately. Your car runs quieter. The ride feels smoother. And you’re burning 10-15% less fuel straight off the bat.
When to Accelerate Faster
There are situations in which rapid acceleration is justifiable.
Merging onto highways requires speed. Traffic flow must be matched safely.
Overtaking slower vehicles likewise requires an injection of speed. Then just go back to driving smoothly after that.
The key is intention. It’s OK to speed up when it’s safe. Drive smoothly everywhere else.
Real-World Fuel Savings
| Drive Style | City MPG | Highway MPG | Annual Fuel Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aggressive | 16 MPG | 24 MPG | $2,500 |
| Moderate | 19 MPG | 27 MPG | $2,100 |
| Smooth (5 sec) | 21.5 MPG | 29.5 MPG | $1,950 |
*Assumptions: 12,000 miles/year at $3.50/gallon
The mild-mannered driver saves $700 a year over the aggressive driver. That’s a nice vacation fund.
2. Coast to Stopping Instead of Slamming on the Brakes
The Cost of Braking All the Time
When you slam on the brakes, every ounce of that momentum is tossed out the window. Your car expended gas in developing that speed. You jam on the brakes and it all turns to heat and goes up in smoke.
Then you have to burn extra fuel to accelerate.
It is like filling a bucket with a hole at the bottom. Inefficient and expensive.
How to Coast Like a Pro
Look far ahead while driving. Quickly see red lights and stopped traffic.
When you see a stop ahead, take your foot off the gas. Just let the car naturally slow down.
When coasting, your engine consumes very little fuel. New cars will actually shut off the fuel when you’re off the gas in gear.
Brake only when needed.
Reading Traffic Flow
Watch the cars in front and wait for the brake lights. If they’re slowing down, chances are, you may have to stop soon as well.
Notice traffic light patterns. Some lights are timed. In other words, if you hit one red light, the next may turn green before you get to it at a slower speed.
Give yourself some extra space between you and the car in front. This allows you to coast and accelerate slowly.
The Math Behind Coasting
Tests have shown that coasting to a stop can improve fuel economy in city driving by 5-10 percent.
If you have 20 stops a day on your commute, that’s 20 opportunities to save fuel. Small savings like that add up to real money over the course of a year.
3. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Why Air Pressure Matters So Considerably
Underinflated tires result in more friction against the road. Your vehicle has to work harder to move forward.
It’s like riding a bike with the tires out of air. You can do it, but you’ve got to try much harder.
Even tires that appear good can be 5-10 PSI down. You can’t tell by looking. You must verify with a gauge.
Finding Your Correct Tire Pressure
Don’t rely on the number printed on the sidewall of a tire. That’s maximum pressure, not recommended pressure.
Check your driver’s door jamb. There’s a sticker that lists the proper PSI for your car.
This information also will be in your owner’s manual.
Most cars need 32-35 PSI. SUVs and trucks may require 35-40 PSI.
When and How to Check
Inspect tire pressure on a monthly basis. Do it in the morning, before you drive. Tires warm up as they are driven and will read higher.
You need:
- A tire pressure gauge ($5-15 from any auto parts store)
- Access to air pump (you can find them at gas stations)
- 5 minutes
Unscrew the valve cap. Push the gauge firmly on to the valve stem. Read the number. Add or release air to reach the recommended PSI.
Check all four tires. Don’t forget the spare.
Fuel Savings from Proper Inflation
| Tire Condition | Effect on Fuel Economy | Annual Cost at 12,000 Miles* |
|---|---|---|
| All tires 10 PSI low | -3% fuel economy | +$105 wasted |
| All tires 5 PSI low | -1.5% fuel economy | +$52 wasted |
| Properly inflated | Max efficiency | $0 wasted |
*At $3.50/gallon average and 25 MPG average
Keeping tires inflated is free. Failing to do so costs you money at the pump every time.
4. Drive 5-10 mph Slower on the Highway
The Speed Versus Efficiency Trade-off
Cars reach peak efficiency at 45-60 mph. This is when the engine runs effortlessly with the wind.
Above 60 mph, your engine consumes much more gas.
If you speed—driving 75 miles an hour instead of 65 miles an hour, for instance—it might save you five minutes on a trip. But it gets you 15-20% fewer miles per gallon.
Wind Resistance Increases Exponentially
At 50 mph, you can still deal with the wind. At 70 mph, it quadruples.
Your car has to plow through all of that air. The more quickly you drive, the more it strains your engine.
Consider putting your hand out the window of a car. The wind pressure is weak at low speeds. On the highway, it is powerful.
Your engine constantly battles that force. And fighting it requires fuel.
Practical Highway Driving Tips
Drive 65 miles per hour instead of 75. This maintains the ideal efficient speed.
Keep to the right lane as much as you can. You won’t be tempted to floor it and get past everyone.
When you’re on a long drive, you can leave 10 minutes earlier and drive slower without feeling rushed. You get there at the same time but you pay less for your gas.
Speed vs. Fuel Consumption Data
| Highway Speed | Fuel Economy | Fuel Cost per 100 Miles* |
|---|---|---|
| 55 MPH | 32 MPG | $10.94 |
| 65 MPH | 28 MPG | $12.50 |
| 75 MPH | 23 MPG | $15.22 |
| 85 MPH | 19 MPG | $18.42 |
*Based on $3.50/gallon
A person driving 65 miles an hour instead of 75 miles an hour saves $2.72 per 100 miles. That translates to $13.60 on a 500-mile road trip.
5. Get Rid of Excess Weight in Your Car
Every Pound Costs You Money
The engine in the car burns fuel to shift weight. The heavier you are, the more fuel you use.
That bag of salt in your trunk from last winter? It’s costing you gas. The golf clubs you never use? Also costing you.
Every 100 pounds of additional weight cuts fuel economy by 1-2%. That may not sound like a lot, but it can really add up over time.
Common Items That Add Weight
Open your trunk and inspect your back seat. You might find:
- Sports equipment (golf clubs, camping gear)
- Tools and supplies
- Empty boxes and bags
- Car seats no longer in use
- Heavy floor mats
- Sandbags or salt from winter
Strip out anything that is not necessary for driving on a daily basis. Leave only what you can’t live without, such as a spare tire, jack and first aid kit.
The Roof Rack Problem
Roof racks and cargo boxes create a huge amount of wind resistance. They are parachutes on your car even when they’re empty.
An empty roof rack can lower fuel efficiency by 5%. A loaded cargo box can knock your mileage down by 25% or more.
Remove them when you don’t want to use them. Only put them on for trips where you actually need the extra space.
Weight Impact on Different Vehicles
| Vehicle Type | Extra 100 lbs Impact | Annual Cost at 12,000 Miles* |
|---|---|---|
| Compact car | -2% fuel economy | $70 wasted |
| Midsize sedan | -1.5% fuel economy | $52 wasted |
| SUV/Truck | -1% fuel economy | $35 wasted |
*Based on $3.50/gallon
The impact is felt more in smaller vehicles. But less weight is good for every vehicle.
6. Avoid Traffic and Plan Your Routes
Stop-and-Go Traffic Destroys Fuel Economy
When you drive in the city, it uses way more fuel than when you drive on the highway. All of that accelerating and coasting burns gas.
Congestion only adds to the mess. You are sitting idle, wasting fuel without getting anywhere.
Then you speed up, hard, but only to slam on the brakes again 50 feet down.
It’s the nightmare state for fuel economy.
Apps for Better Routes
Traffic conditions through time are displayed in navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze. They will automatically suggest faster routes to avoid congestion.
A route that is 2 miles longer but has no traffic and can run at a steady speed often consumes less gasoline than a shorter, jammed route.
The apps also provide estimated arrival times. Compare routes and select the best one.
For more tips on maximizing your fuel efficiency, visit Fuel Saving Driving for comprehensive guides and strategies.
Timing Your Trips Strategically
If you can, try to avoid the following windows of time:
Rush-hour traffic:
- Morning rush: 7am-9am
- Evening rush: 4:30pm-6:30pm
The act of departing 30 minutes earlier or later can be the difference between a smooth drive and gridlock.
Consolidate your errands for one trip. Plan your route so you don’t backtrack.
What Traffic Jams Really Cost You
Stop-and-go driving decreases your car’s fuel efficiency by 30-40% according to research.
That excessively slow, uncomfortable traffic would bring it to about 15-17 MPG instead of the average 25 MPG.
That’s the difference between a $40 tank of gas going 400 miles instead of just 240.
7. Use Air Conditioning Wisely
The AC Fuel Drain
Air conditioning adds to your engine’s work load. The engine runs the AC compressor to get cold air, so it is consuming fuel.
Keeping the AC on can decrease fuel economy by 5-25%, depending on outdoor temperature and how cold you like it.
That’s a huge range. But even that low end is going to cost you money.
When to Use AC vs. Windows
At lower speeds (below 40 mph): Open windows create very little drag. Roll them down, and leave the AC off.
Highway speeds (50mph and up): Open windows add wind resistance. Use AC instead and keep windows closed.
The crossover is at about 40-45 mph. Below that, windows. Above that, AC.
Smart AC Usage Tips
Set your AC to the highest comfortable setting. For every degree it gets cooler, you use that much more fuel.
Use the “recirculate” setting. It cools the already-cooled air in the cabin, rather than hot outside air. This is more efficient.
Park in shade when possible. A cooler car makes for less AC needed.
If you have an electric or hybrid car, pre-cool it while still plugged in at home.
AC Impact on Fuel Economy
| Condition | AC Off | AC On (max cold) | Fuel Economy Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| City driving (30 mph) | 22 MPG | 19 MPG | -14% |
| Highway (65 mph) | 30 MPG | 27 MPG | -10% |
| Stop-and-go traffic | 18 MPG | 14 MPG | -22% |
Using AC at a reasonable level (on, but not freezing) reduces these impacts by about half.
8. Keep Up With Regular Maintenance
How Neglect Hurts Fuel Economy
A car that isn’t taken care of will use up more gasoline. Simple as that.
Dirty air filters restrict airflow. Old spark plugs don’t burn fuel well. Low oil creates friction.
Any single problem in isolation might represent just 2-3% efficiency loss. Taken together, they can reduce fuel economy by 10 to 15% or more.
Critical Maintenance for Fuel Savings
Air filter: Replace every 12,000-15,000 miles. A clogged filter can cost you 10% of your fuel economy.
Spark plugs: Change on the schedule recommended by the manufacturer (generally 30,000 to 100,000 miles). Bad spark plugs waste fuel through incomplete combustion.
Engine oil: Change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Dirty oil causes friction and forces the engine to work harder.
Oxygen sensor: If your check engine light turns on, get a professional to run a diagnostic. A bad O2 sensor can reduce fuel economy by 40%.
DIY vs. Professional Maintenance
Here’s what you can manage on your own:
- Checking tire pressure (monthly)
- Replacing air filter (15 minutes)
- Checking fluid levels (5 minutes)
Leave complex work to professionals:
- Spark plug replacement
- Engine diagnostics
- Transmission service
Maintenance Cost vs. Fuel Savings
| Maintenance Item | Cost | Fuel Savings Over Life | Net Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air filter | $20-40 | $150-200 | $110-180 |
| Spark plugs | $80-200 | $300-500 | $100-420 |
| Regular oil changes | $40-70 each | $200-$300/year | Significant |
Maintenance isn’t just about prevention. It’s direct money in the bank when it comes to fuel.
For expert advice on vehicle maintenance and fuel efficiency, check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s fuel economy tips.
9. Switch off Your Engine When Not in Use
Idling Is Pure Waste
You actually get 0 miles per gallon when your car sits still with the engine going. You’re burning fuel to go nowhere.
This happens when you’re waiting for someone, warming up the car or sitting in drive-throughs.
Modern engines don’t need warmup time. 30 seconds is sufficient, even in winter.
How Much Fuel is Wasted While Idling?
An average car uses 0.3-0.5 gallons of fuel per hour while idling. That’s nearly half a gallon squandered for each hour of sitting time.
If you let it idle just 10 minutes a day, that adds up to:
- 60 hours per year
- 20-30 gallons of wasted fuel
- $70-105 thrown away annually
The 10-Second Rule
If you will be at a stop for more than 10 seconds, shut off your engine.
Each restart consumes roughly as much fuel as idling for 10 seconds. Past the 10-second mark, you’re saving fuel by being off.
Exceptions:
- Traffic will soon be moving
- You must have AC or heat for safety/comfort
- You are on a steep incline (safety)
Modern Start-Stop Technology
A lot of newer cars have automatic start-stop systems. The engine goes to sleep at red lights and wakes up when you step on the gas.
It saves 3-5% in city driving on fuel. It works because urban driving is filled with standstills.
You should use your car’s automatic start-stop if you have it. If not, you may manually turn off at long lights.
Annual Idling Costs
| Daily Idling Time | Fuel Wasted Per Year | Annual Cost at $3.50/Gallon |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 10-15 gallons | $35-52 |
| 10 minutes | 20-30 gallons | $70-105 |
| 20 minutes | 40-60 gallons | $140-210 |
These numbers shock most people. A few wasted minutes of idling every day produce a lot of yearly waste.
Combining Changes for Maximum Savings
The Multiplier Effect
Each of these nine changes saves money in its own right. Combined, they multiply your savings.
Let’s say that every one of the changes put into effect saves even a mere 5% on fuel costs. That’s 45 percent savings overall, if you do all nine.
In fact, some adjustments save more than others. Yet even highly conservative projections indicate that 25-35% savings are achievable.
Building New Driving Habits
Avoid making everything different all at once. That’s overwhelming.
Start with three easy changes:
- Check tire pressure monthly
- Accelerate smoothly
- Coast to stops
Practice these for two weeks. They’ll become automatic habits.
Then add three more: 4. Reduce highway speed 5. Remove excess weight 6. Plan routes to avoid traffic
Then add the last three: 7. Use AC wisely 8. Keep up with maintenance 9. Turn off engine when parked
Tracking Your Progress
Fill up your tank completely. Reset your trip odometer.
Drive normally until you need to stop for refueling. Keep track of how many gallons it takes to fill up and how many miles you drove.
Calculate: Miles driven ÷ Gallons used = MPG
Repeat this for three tanks to establish your baseline.
Then implement the fuel-saving changes. Track another three tanks.
See how much your MPG has improved. You’ll know exactly how much you’re saving.
Real Driver Results
The following are results that many drivers have experienced after implementing all nine changes:
- City MPG increased from 18 to 24 (a gain of 33%)
- Highway MPG increased from 25 to 30 (20% improvement)
- Monthly fuel bills were slashed from $200 to $140 ($720 per year savings)
Your actual results may vary depending on your car and driving conditions. But the savings are real and measurable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the maximum amount that I can save based on these driving changes?
A: Drivers can save between 20% and 30% of what they would otherwise have spent on gas if all nine changes are made. If you currently spend $150/month at the gas pump, that’s between $30-45 saved each month, or $360-540 a year.
Q: What’s the one fuel-saving change that really makes a difference?
A: Gentle acceleration and smooth driving can help you save the most fuel—as much as 10-15%. Proper tire pressure and lower highway speed help too.
Q: Can I really save that much fuel by avoiding aggressive driving?
A: Yes. Research indicates that aggressive driving (rapid acceleration, braking, and speeding) can decrease highway fuel mileage 15-30% and city mileage 10-40%.
Q: Am I supposed to shut off my engine at every red light?
A: Only at lights that will be red for longer than 10 seconds. Making a short stop does not save fuel, as it takes about 10 seconds worth of idling fuel to restart an engine.
Q: Do these strategies apply to older cars as well?
A: Absolutely. Older cars can often receive even more of a boost, because they’re inherently less efficient to start with. Proper maintenance can especially help improve fuel economy in older cars.
Q: How often should I check my tire pressure?
A: Inspect tires at least monthly, and before you hit the road on an extended trip. Temperature changes alter pressure—tires lose 1 PSI for every 10°F drop in temperature.
Q: Does taking off my roof rack actually help?
A: Yes. Even an empty roof rack can decrease fuel efficiency by 5%. With a loaded cargo box it can drop by 25 percent or more due to increased wind resistance.
Q: Will driving with my car’s cruise control on save me any fuel?
A: Yes, cruise control maintains steady speed on highways, which is more efficient than variable speed. Do not use it, however, on hilly terrain (it will downshift unnecessarily).
Start Saving Money This Week
Your Action Plan
Pick three changes to make now:
This week:
- Check and adjust tire pressure
- Remove excess weight from your vehicle
- Work on smooth acceleration each day on your commute
Next week:
- Download a traffic app and find better routes
- Reduce your speed by 5-10 mph on the highway
- Begin coasting to stops instead of braking hard
Within a month:
- Schedule overdue maintenance
- Adjust AC usage depending upon speed
- Apply the 10-second idling rule
The Ripple Effect
Saving fuel does more than save you money. It also:
- Reduces your carbon footprint
- Lowers engine wear (longer life of the vehicle)
- Makes you a better, safer driver
- Reduces stress from smoother driving
Calculating Your Potential Savings
Monthly fuel cost now: $______
Potential savings (25%): $______
Annual savings: $______ × 12 = $______
That annual savings could cover:
- A weekend vacation
- Several months of streaming services
- A nice dinner out every month
- Emergency fund contributions
- Anything you want
The Bottom Line
You don’t need a hybrid or an electric car to save big on fuel. You simply have to drive smarter.
These nine simple changes are totally free. The overwhelming majority take no more than 5 minutes to implement.
The fuel savings begin immediately. In a month, your bank account will show the difference.
Your car comes equipped with everything it needs to keep the engine running efficiently. Now you have the information needed to unlock those savings.
