Terms of Use 

With gasoline prices fluctuating, there has never been a better time to tune up your vehicle and adopt energy-wise driving techniques. Practice these tips to improve gas mileage, enhance safety, and reduce engine wear.

The 10% Rule: By simply practicing efficient driving techniques, most drivers can improve their fuel economy by more than 10% without spending a dime.

Smart Driving Tips

Observe the Speed Limit

Over 50% of the energy required to move your car is spent overcoming aerodynamic drag. As speed increases, drag and rolling resistance rise exponentially. Fuel economy decreases rapidly at speeds above 55 mph.

Use Technology Wisely

  • Overdrive Gears: Using overdrive at highway speeds allows the engine to run at lower RPMs, reducing consumption and wear.
  • Cruise Control: Maintaining a constant speed on the highway prevents the "accordion effect" of micro-accelerations that waste fuel.
  • Smart Navigation: In 2026, use GPS "Eco-Routing" to prioritize paths with fewer stoplights and more consistent speeds.

Anticipate Traffic

Avoid tailgating. If you can anticipate traffic flow, you avoid unnecessary braking. In city driving, nearly 50% of energy is used for acceleration; braking effectively throws that paid-for energy away as heat.

Eliminate Idling

Modern engines do not need to "warm up." Idling for more than 30 seconds wastes more fuel than restarting the engine. If you are in a drive-through or waiting for a passenger, turn off the engine.

Strategic Trip Planning

Combine Your Errands: A cold engine uses twice as much fuel as a warm one. Grouping errands into one multi-purpose trip ensures your engine stays at its most efficient operating temperature.

Maintaining Your Vehicle

Tires, Wheels, and Brakes

Properly inflated tires are the easiest way to boost MPG. Check the label on your driver-side door jamb for the correct PSI.

  • Tires lose about 1 PSI per month and 1 PSI for every 10°F drop in temperature.
  • Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which can drop fuel economy by 6%.
  • Remove snow tires in the spring; their aggressive tread creates unnecessary friction on dry pavement.

Fluid and Filter Care

  • Synthetic Oil: Look for the "Energy Conserving" API label. Modern synthetic oils reduce internal friction, potentially boosting MPG by 3%.
  • Air Filters: A clogged air filter restricts the engine's ability to breathe. Replacing a dirty filter can restore up to 10% of lost efficiency and protects internal components.

The Importance of Tuning

A poorly tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by 10% to 20%. Following your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule ensures your vehicle runs cleaner and longer.

Strategic Decisions

  • The 30 MPG Advantage: The difference between a 20 MPG and 30 MPG vehicle is roughly $1,500 in savings over five years.
  • The "Regular" Rule: Use regular unleaded unless your owner's manual specifically requires (not just recommends) premium. Most cars see no benefit from higher octane.
  • Lighten the Load: An extra 100 lbs in the trunk reduces MPG by 1-2%. Remove roof racks when not in use to reduce aerodynamic drag.