How to Improve Gas Mileage
You can boost your fuel economy with straightforward maintenance and driving changes. Most drivers see a 3 to 5 percent improvement in gas mileage by making these adjustments.
Quick Wins
Start with these easy fixes:
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Check your tire pressure - Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and waste fuel. Check pressure monthly and inflate to your vehicle's recommended PSI (found on the driver's door jamb). Proper inflation alone saves about 3 percent on fuel costs.
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Get regular oil changes - Fresh oil reduces engine friction. Use the grade recommended in your owner's manual. Conventional oil typically costs $30 to $75 per service, while synthetic runs $65 to $125. Most vehicles need oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
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Replace air filters - A clean engine air filter helps your engine breathe easier and run more efficiently. Filters cost $15 to $40 and take minutes to swap.
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Align your wheels - Misaligned wheels create drag and hurt fuel economy. Professional alignment costs $100 to $200 but improves efficiency by 2 to 3 percent.
Driving Habits That Save Fuel
How you drive matters as much as maintenance.
- Accelerate smoothly instead of jackrabbit starts
- Maintain steady speeds on highways
- Avoid excessive idling
- Remove roof racks and cargo you don't need (extra weight burns more fuel)
- Plan trips to avoid traffic and reduce overall driving distance
Bigger Picture
Fuel costs average $2,000 per year for most drivers. Even small improvements add up. If you improve your MPG by just 10 percent, you could save $200 annually on gas. Over five years, that's $1,000 in your pocket.
Track your fuel economy over several fill-ups. Calculate it by dividing miles driven by gallons used. This helps you spot problems early and measure the impact of your changes.