Seven Practical Ways to Improve Fuel Efficiency as Gas Prices Rise

When gas prices spike, the pain at the pump becomes all too real for millions of drivers. While consumers can’t control global oil markets, they can adjust driving habits to squeeze more miles from each gallon of fuel.

“It’s a hard one to swallow, right? You gotta put gas in to go about your day and get to work and pick the kids up from school,” said Michael Crossen, Consumer Reports’ manager of auto testing.

Experts suggest several practical approaches that can make a meaningful difference in fuel consumption without requiring major lifestyle changes.

Slow Down and Use Cruise Control

Perhaps the simplest and most effective strategy is simply easing off the accelerator. Modern vehicles achieve their best fuel efficiency around highway speeds, according to Sean Tucker, managing editor for compact and full-size vehicles at Kelley Blue Book.

“Stick to 65 mph on the highway,” Tucker advises. “Today’s cars are geared to be most efficient at that speed, and you lose quite a bit of fuel efficiency the faster you go.”

Some studies suggest that slowing down can improve gas mileage by up to 14 percent. For drivers who find it difficult to maintain a steady speed, cruise control becomes an invaluable tool.

“If you have a hard time doing that, cruise control is your friend,” says Tucker. This technology maintains a consistent vehicle speed, eliminating the inefficient fuel consumption associated with speed fluctuations, hard braking, and jerky acceleration patterns.

Experts also recommend coasting toward stoplights whenever possible, especially when approaching a red light or a green one likely to change soon.

Minimize Idling Time

Modern vehicles increasingly feature automatic start-stop technology that temporarily shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary. David Bennett, AAA senior automotive manager, recommends using this feature rather than disabling it.

“If you’re stuck in traffic and you see it bumper to bumper for a while and you have start-stop, don’t turn that off,” Bennett says. “Allow the engine to turn on and off as it’s needed.”

This advice applies particularly during moderate weather conditions when drivers don’t need continuous air conditioning while waiting in traffic.

Reduce Drag and Weight

External accessories like roof racks and bike carriers significantly increase a vehicle’s aerodynamic drag, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.

“If you’re not actually using those devices, it’s like dragging a parachute behind your car,” says Crossen. “Any other type of accessories that basically cause drag, you want to lose those.”

Studies have shown these accessories can reduce fuel economy by several miles per gallon. Similarly, unnecessary heavy items stored in the trunk, back seat, or truck bed should be removed to lighten the vehicle’s overall weight.

Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

Underinflated tires create additional road resistance, making engines work harder to maintain speed. Experts recommend checking tire pressure at least every other fill-up, using the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure levels rather than the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall.

“Lower-inflated tires will increase the resistance on the road, so properly inflated, the vehicle is going to drive a little bit smoother and be able to accelerate properly,” Bennett explains. Properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by as much as 10 percent.

Stay Current on Maintenance

Regular vehicle maintenance plays a crucial role in fuel efficiency. If your vehicle isn’t achieving its expected fuel economy, a mechanic might identify simple fixes to improve performance.

“If you’re finding that you are not getting close to what you’re supposed to, then you need to go to the mechanic,” Tucker advises.

Common maintenance items affecting fuel economy include replacing clogged air filters or faulty oxygen sensors that regulate the engine’s fuel mixture.

Consider Carpooling and Trip Planning

Sharing rides effectively divides fuel costs among multiple people. Beyond carpooling, simply planning errands more efficiently can significantly reduce overall fuel consumption.

“Don’t make unnecessary stops. Don’t drive all the way across town just to save a dollar on eggs,” Crossen suggests. “Plan your trips. Don’t drive if you don’t have to.”

Make Smart Fuel Choices

While vehicles designed for premium fuel should continue using it, many drivers unnecessarily purchase higher-octane gas when their vehicles run perfectly well on regular. Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation.

When possible, seek out stations carrying “Top Tier” gasoline, which contains additives that help keep engines cleaner and potentially improve efficiency over time. Price-comparison apps like GasBuddy can help identify the best local fuel prices, and experts recommend starting to look for gas when your tank is around half-empty to provide flexibility in choosing when and where to refuel.

For those considering a vehicle replacement, hybrids offer dramatically improved fuel economy over conventional vehicles, while electric vehicles eliminate gasoline costs entirely. With the average vehicle age now approximately 12 years, newer models generally provide substantially better fuel efficiency than older ones.