How to Get Better Gas Mileage
You can improve your fuel efficiency through driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and smart choices about when and how you drive.
Your Best Opportunities for Fuel Savings
Check your tire pressure. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and hurt fuel economy by up to 3%. Check your tire pressure monthly and inflate to the PSI listed on your driver's door jamb, not the number on the tire sidewall.
Drive smoothly. Aggressive acceleration and hard braking waste fuel fast. Accelerate gradually, maintain steady speeds on highways, and anticipate stops ahead of time. Smooth driving can improve your MPG by 5-10%.
Reduce excess weight. Remove items from your trunk and roof racks you don't need. Every 100 pounds of extra weight reduces fuel economy by about 1-2%.
Avoid excessive idling. If you'll be stopped for more than 10 seconds, turn off your engine. Idling burns fuel without moving you anywhere.
Maintenance That Matters
Keep up with oil changes. Fresh oil reduces engine friction and improves efficiency. Check your owner's manual for the recommended interval, typically every 5,000-7,500 miles for conventional oil.
Replace a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter forces your engine to work harder. Replace it every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed.
Use the recommended fuel grade. Your owner's manual specifies the right octane level. Using premium fuel when regular is recommended wastes money without improving performance.
Get a wheel alignment. Wheels out of alignment create drag and hurt fuel economy. If your car pulls to one side, have it checked.
Driving Habits That Add Up
Plan trips efficiently to combine errands into one outing. Cold engines burn more fuel, so one longer trip uses less gas than multiple short trips. On the highway, use cruise control to maintain a steady speed. Speeds above 50 mph significantly reduce fuel economy.
According to AAA, fuel costs average about 13 cents per mile for gasoline-powered vehicles, translating to roughly $1,950 yearly for drivers covering 15,000 miles annually. Small changes in your driving habits and maintenance routine can meaningfully reduce this expense.
Sidekick tracks your fuel spending over time so you can see exactly how these changes impact your costs and identify other ways to optimize your vehicle ownership.