Boost Fuel Efficiency & Enhance Gas Mileage

1. Efficient Trip Planning

Plan your outings to combine several errands into one trip. Fewer separate trips mean less time spent starting, stopping, and idling, which saves fuel.

2. Tire Pressure Maintenance

Keep your tires at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Both under‑inflated and over‑inflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency and shorten tire life.

3. Drive Mode Selection

If your vehicle has 2WD and 4WD options, use two‑wheel drive unless extra traction is truly needed. Driving in 4WD all the time increases fuel use.

4. Avoid Excessive Idling

Minimize idling, even in cold weather. Modern engines warm up more efficiently when you start driving gently instead of idling in place.

5. Keep Windows Closed at Speed

Open windows increase wind resistance, especially at higher speeds, which makes the engine work harder. When possible, keep windows up at highway speeds to reduce drag.

6. Avoid Unnecessary Add‑ons

Extra body parts that change the airflow, such as ground‑effects and large spoilers, can increase drag and reduce fuel efficiency.

7. Keep Your Vehicle Light

Do not use your car as a storage unit. Extra weight forces the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Remove items you do not need for your current trip.

8. Regular Tune‑ups

Have your vehicle checked and tuned at least once a year. A well‑maintained engine can run more efficiently and use less fuel.

9. Park in the Shade

On hot days, parking in the shade or a cooler area can reduce fuel evaporation and cut down on the need for heavy air conditioner use when you return.

10. Maintain Safe Following Distance

Avoid tailgating. Following too closely leads to more frequent braking and accelerating, which wastes fuel and increases your risk of a collision.

11. Use the Correct Oil

Use the oil weight recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Oil that is too thick makes the engine work harder and can reduce fuel economy.

12. Smooth Acceleration

Avoid stomping on the gas pedal from a stop. Moderate, steady acceleration keeps engine RPMs in an efficient range and uses less fuel.

13. Use the Right Gasoline

Unless your owner’s manual specifies otherwise, higher‑octane fuel provides no advantage and simply costs more. Use the grade recommended by the manufacturer.

14. Regular Air Filter Checks

Inspect the engine air filter regularly and replace it when needed. A clogged filter can hurt performance and fuel efficiency.

15. Proper Gear Shifting

In manual vehicles, shift up between about 1,500 and 2,000 RPM in normal driving. Revving higher than necessary wastes fuel without adding useful power.

16. Choose the Right Tires

Very wide, oversized, or extreme low‑profile tires can increase rolling resistance and hurt fuel economy. Choose tires that match your vehicle’s intended use.

17. Proper Foot Positioning

Do not rest your left foot on the brake pedal. Even light pressure can partially engage the brakes, increasing drag and fuel use.

18. Aerodynamic Load Carrying

When carrying cargo on the roof, position and secure it to minimize wind drag. Roof boxes and racks can significantly affect fuel efficiency at highway speeds.

19. Use Overdrive

If your vehicle has an overdrive gear, use it at steady, higher speeds. Overdrive reduces engine RPMs and can improve fuel economy on highways.

20. Choose the Right Roads

When possible, choose routes with fewer stop signs, signals, and sharp turns. Smooth, steady driving uses less fuel than constant stopping and starting.

21. Coasting Over Braking

Look ahead and lift off the accelerator early so you can coast when you need to slow down. Accelerating again after heavy braking uses more fuel than maintaining a smoother speed.

22. Regular Maintenance

Replace fuel filters, spark plugs, and other wear items as recommended. Worn components can reduce efficiency and performance.

23. Tire Alignment

Have your alignment checked at least once a year or when you notice uneven wear. Misaligned wheels increase rolling resistance and fuel use.

24. Avoid Drive‑thrus

Instead of idling in a drive‑thru line, park and walk inside when you can. Reducing idle time saves fuel and wear on your engine.

25. Maintain Fuel Levels

Try to keep your fuel tank above a quarter full. Very low fuel levels can put extra strain on the fuel pump.

26. Observe Speed Limits

Driving faster than the limit forces the engine to work harder and can cut fuel economy by a large margin. Staying near the posted limit is usually more efficient.

27. Minimize Air Conditioner Use

In stop‑and‑go city traffic, heavy air conditioner use can noticeably increase fuel consumption. Use it when needed, but avoid max settings all the time.

28. Use Cruise Control

On fairly flat highways, cruise control can help maintain a steady speed and reduce fuel use. Avoid using it on steep or very hilly roads where frequent adjustment is needed.

29. Avoid Unnecessary Driving in Parking Lots

Circling lots to find a closer spot burns fuel for very little benefit. Park in the first reasonably convenient space you see.

30. Walk or Bike When Possible

When reasonable, choose to walk or bike instead of driving. You save fuel, reduce wear and tear on your vehicle, and gain health benefits at the same time.

Even modest improvements in fuel efficiency can add up to significant savings over a year, and the same habits that save fuel usually reduce wear on your vehicle as well.

Take the next step toward becoming a confident, efficient driver. Visit our Teen Program Options and Adult Driving Options to find a program that fits your needs.

Our Safety Tips page offers guidance on defensive driving, following distances, managing distractions, and handling tailgaters.