Tired of dedicating your hard-earned funds to gasoline? You aren’t alone. With no end in sight for this pain at the pump, we’re all looking for ways to spend less on gas. While we can’t control gas prices, we do have a few tips to help improve your car’s fuel efficiency. Get the most out of every gallon with these tips and start saving money on gas.
Key Takeaways
- While gas prices are high, small changes in driving habits and vehicle maintenance can reduce fuel costs and put more money in your wallet.
- Avoiding speeding, hard braking, and unnecessary idling improves fuel efficiency and helps you save on gas.
- Proper vehicle maintenance, smart route planning, and using the right motor oil can boost fuel economy and lower your overall gas expenses.
How to Spend Less on Gas by Improving Fuel Efficiency in Your Car
Fuel efficiency is a measure of how far your vehicle can travel on a specific amount of fuel. Improving fuel efficiency reduces the amount of gas you use, helping you save money. In addition, it also reduces your carbon footprint, making it a win for both you and the planet. Use these tips and tricks to increase fuel efficiency and save at the pump:
Maintain Your Vehicle
A well-maintained vehicle uses less gas because it runs more efficiently. Three common maintenance tasks include keeping your tires properly inflated, changing your oil, and tuning up your engine. A quick trip to the service center is worth every penny if it helps you save at the pump!
Don’t Speed
Seriously, don’t speed! Along with avoiding costly speeding tickets (which can raise your insurance premiums), sticking to the speed limit uses less gas. Generally speaking, once you travel over 50 mph, fuel efficiency rapidly decreases.
Use the Lowest Manufacturer-Recommended Octane
Higher octanes are only necessary for specific circumstances. Otherwise, you’re just spending extra money for no benefit.
Avoid Unnecessary Idling
Idling may be convenient, but it won’t help you spend less on gas. In fact, idling uses more gas and releases more emissions than turning off and restarting the car.
Use Cruise Control When Possible
Maintaining a constant speed improves fuel economy. It also helps you avoid those speeding tickets we keep warning you about.
Use the Air Conditioner Sparingly
Air conditioning puts about a 20% greater load on the engine and burns extra fuel! If your AC has an economy setting, use it to circulate uncooled air. Also, use the recirculation setting to reduce the amount of outside air that needs to be chilled.
Combine Errands
Combining errands, especially if you select an efficient route, decreases the number of miles you drive and the amount of gasoline you use. Think like an Amazon delivery driver and plan out that route ahead of time!
Don’t Accelerate or Brake Hard
Aggressive driving decreases your fuel economy by about 5% in the city and 33% at highway speeds. Sensing a trend yet? Safe driving means saving money on gas all around!
Keep the Windows Closed
Driving with the windows open creates a greater drag on the vehicle and decreases fuel economy by about 10%.
Avoid Heavy Loads
Do not store unnecessary items in your car. An extra 100 pounds can decrease mileage by 2%, so if you don’t need it, leave it at home.
Use Apps to Find Affordable Gas
Apps and websites like GasBuddy and Waze help you find the cheapest gas along your route.
Join a Gas Loyalty Program
Many gas stations offer reward programs to help loyal customers save at the pump. Each program has its own rules, so don’t forget to read the fine print.
Ditch Roof Racks and Cargo Carriers
Roof racks and cargo carriers lower fuel efficiency by creating unnecessary drag. If you don’t use them regularly, take them off to improve your vehicle’s aerodynamics and save on fuel.
Refuel in the Morning or Evening
Gas is denser at cooler temperatures, like in the morning or late evening. Filling up when it’s cooler gives you slightly more fuel for the same price compared to fueling up during the midday heat.
Park in the Shade
Parking in the shade or using a sunshade keeps your car cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning when you start driving.
Use the Right Motor Oil
Use the motor oil recommended in your car’s manual to improve fuel economy by 1-2%. Look for oils labeled “energy conserving,” which contain friction-reducing additives to help your engine run more efficiently. By following these simple tips, you can increase fuel efficiency and save money on gas in the vehicle you already have. But, if you’re like many Americans, you may be considering an electric or hybrid vehicle to save even more on gas. The General has you covered—read about the benefits of buying an electric vehicle to help save money on gas on our blog. If you’re looking for affordable insurance, get a car insurance quote from The General in two minutes or less.
