How Can I Get Better Gas Mileage from My Vehicle?
Keep tires at the right pressure to boost gas mileage by up to 3%. Check air filters and spark plugs often. Drive smoothly without hard acceleration. These changes help most cars save fuel fast.
Quick Wins for Better MPG
Here's what you need to know:
- Tire pressure: Under-inflated tires cut mileage by 0.3% per 1 psi drop. Check monthly with a gauge. Aim for the number on your door sticker. Gain up to 3.3% better economy.
- Air filter: A dirty filter makes your engine work harder. Replace every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. See 1-2% gains on older cars.
- Spark plugs: Old plugs hurt performance. Swap them every 30,000 to 100,000 miles based on type. Notice quick improvements.
| Maintenance Task | MPG Gain | How Often |
|---|---|---|
| Proper tire inflation | Up to 3% | Monthly |
| New air filter | 1-2% | Every 12k-15k miles |
| Fresh spark plugs | Varies, often noticeable | Every 30k-100k miles |
| Engine tune-up | 4% average | Yearly or as needed |
Drive Smart to Save Gas
Your habits matter most. Aggressive driving drops highway MPG by 33% and city by 5%.
Follow these steps:
- Use cruise control on highways. It keeps steady speed and cuts fuel use.
- Avoid idling. Turn off your engine if stopped over 10 seconds. Saves gas with no reason to waste it.
- Accelerate gently. Ease into the gas pedal. No jackrabbit starts.
- Obey speed limits. Faster speeds mean more drag and less MPG.
"Keeping tires inflated properly improves gas mileage by up to 3.3%, based on lab tests of 67 vehicles," says the U.S. Department of Energy.
Oil and Tune-Ups Matter
Use the right motor oil. Switching to the maker's spec can add 1-2% MPG. Look for "Energy Conserving" on the label. Fix tune-ups if your car fails emissions. Gain 4% on average.
Remove roof racks when empty. They cut MPG by 5% from drag. Park in the shade in hot areas like 94103 to keep AC use low.
Track and Optimize with Sidekick
Most drivers lose 10-20% MPG from small issues. Sidekick scans your habits and maintenance. It shows your real MPG and suggests fixes based on 2026 owner data. Owners using our tips save $200-400 yearly on fuel.
Start with tires today. Check pressure cold, before driving. Buy a $10 gauge. See changes in one tank.
Combine these for 10-20% total gains. According to AAA and EIA fuel reports, steady drivers hit top efficiency[trusted sources]. Track gas ups to measure wins.