Increasing Your Gas Mileage
Smart strategies to save money at the pump and reduce your environmental impact
Reduce Car Usage
🚗 Combine Trips
Combine trips and only drive when necessary. Short trips burn the majority of gas and time.
👥 Carpool
Share rides to work or when taking kids to school.
🚴 Walk or Bike
Save on gas and parking costs while improving your health.
🏠 Work From Home
Consider telecommuting if you live far from work, or move closer.
🚌 Public Transportation
Check local public transportation options. Save on gas and potentially parking costs too.
Smart Driving Techniques
⚡ Use Neutral at Long Lights
Put your car in neutral with your foot on the brake when waiting at long lights. The engine runs more efficiently than in "drive."
🐌 Lower Your Speed
Reduce speed from 70 mph to 55 mph for 20% better gas mileage. Driving 75 mph instead of 65 wastes about 30 cents per gallon.
🎯 Drive at Steady Pace
Accelerate and decelerate smoothly. Minimize gas and brake pedal use. Use cruise control when available.
⏰ Turn Off Engine
Turn off your engine if waiting more than one minute. Starting costs less than running for one minute.
👟 Drive Shoeless
Drive without shoes to modulate the accelerator more precisely.
Vehicle Maintenance & Setup
🛞 Proper Tire Inflation
Always ensure your tires are properly inflated for optimal fuel efficiency.
📦 Remove Roof Racks
Remove unused roof racks to reduce aerodynamic drag.
🌳 Choose Sheltered Routes
Select routes with trees or buildings to prevent crosswinds.
❄️ Skip "Warm-up" Idling
Avoid unnecessary warm-up idling as it wastes fuel.
Smart Habits
🚫 Avoid Drive-Throughs
Skip drive-through windows that lead to excessive idling.
🅿️ Avoid Parallel Parking
Minimize multiple reverse/forward maneuvers when possible.
🕐 Avoid Rush Hour
Go to work early and leave early. Listen to traffic reports and travel during non-peak hours.
Gas Purchasing Strategy
⬇️ Fill Up When Prices Drop
Don't wait until your tank is empty. Top off whenever prices are lower than your last fill-up.
🛢️ Buy a Gas Can
Get a five-gallon can and fill it when prices are low. Use it when prices rise. Check local storage rules.
💳 Gas Rewards Card
The AAA Visa card gives 2-5% back on gas purchases with no annual fee. Pay in full monthly to avoid interest.
Vehicle Selection
🚗 Rental Car Strategy
Choose the model with the best gas mileage when renting. Compare fuel economy at fueleconomy.gov.
🆕 Buying a New Car
Vehicle selection is your most important fuel economy decision. The difference between 20 MPG and 30 MPG cars:
💰 $930 per year difference (15k miles @ $3.72/gallon)
📈 $4,650 extra fuel costs over 5 years!
Use fueleconomy.gov to find the most fuel-efficient vehicle for your needs.