Gas prices have been rising steadily, and for many drivers, filling up the tank has become a major expense. While you might not be able to control the price at the pump, there are some simple habits you can adopt to help reduce your fuel consumption and save money on gas. At Get Drivers Ed, we emphasize not only safe driving but also smart driving techniques that can help you get the most out of every gallon. Let’s look at five small, actionable steps you can take to save on fuel costs.
1. Drive Smoothly and Avoid Aggressive Driving
How Driving Style Affects Fuel Efficiency
Aggressive driving behaviors like rapid acceleration, hard braking, and speeding can waste a significant amount of fuel. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, aggressive driving can lower your gas mileage by as much as 15% to 30% on the highway and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.
Instead, practice smooth driving:
Accelerate gradually: Avoid pressing down hard on the gas pedal. Gradual acceleration uses less fuel.
Anticipate stops: Start braking early to avoid hard stops, which not only saves gas but also reduces wear on your brakes.
Maintain a steady speed: Use cruise control on the highway to keep a consistent speed, which is more fuel-efficient than constantly speeding up and slowing down.
At Get Drivers Ed, we teach drivers that smooth driving is not only safer but also much more fuel-efficient. If you can adjust your driving style, you’ll find that your fuel tank lasts longer and your trips to the gas station are less frequent.
2. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Why Tire Pressure Matters for Fuel Economy
Under-inflated tires create more resistance on the road, which forces your engine to work harder and use more fuel. Studies show that keeping your tires inflated to the proper level can improve your gas mileage by up to 3%.
Here’s what you can do:
Check your tire pressure monthly: Use a tire pressure gauge to ensure your tires are at the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch). You can find the recommended tire pressure in your vehicle's manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s side door.
Adjust for seasonal changes: Tire pressure can fluctuate with temperature, so check more frequently during extreme weather.
Proper tire inflation is a small maintenance task that takes only a few minutes but can have a significant impact on your fuel efficiency. Plus, properly inflated tires extend the life of your tires, saving you money in the long run.
3. Lighten Your Load.
How Extra Weight Affects Fuel Efficiency
Did you know that the weight of your vehicle impacts fuel consumption? Every additional 100 pounds can reduce your fuel economy by about 1% for smaller vehicles and even more for larger ones. By simply removing unnecessary items from your car, you can boost your gas mileage.
To lighten your load:
Clean out the trunk and backseat: Avoid carrying items you don’t need for your daily commute. Heavy tools, sports equipment, and other items can add unnecessary weight.
Remove roof racks when not in use: Roof racks increase wind resistance, which can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 25% on the highway.
By keeping your car as light as possible, you’ll help it run more efficiently. At Get Drivers Ed, we encourage drivers to make small adjustments like this to improve fuel economy and save money.
4. Limit Idling
How Idling Wastes Fuel
Idling, or keeping your engine running while your car is stationary, is a major contributor to fuel waste. Many drivers don’t realize that idling for more than a minute or two uses more fuel than restarting the engine. This is especially relevant for those who drive in urban areas or spend a lot of time in traffic.
Here are some tips to reduce idling:
Turn off the engine if you’re waiting for more than a minute. Modern engines don’t require extra fuel to restart, so it’s more efficient to turn off the car.
Use “stop-start” technology if your car is equipped with it. This feature automatically turns off the engine when you come to a stop and restarts it when you press the gas pedal.
Avoid drive-thrus: Instead of idling in a long drive-thru line, park and go inside if you can.
Limiting idling is a simple way to save gas and reduce emissions. Plus, this habit is good for the environment, which is something we at Get Drivers Ed encourage all our students to consider.
5. Plan Your Trips Wisely
How Smart Planning Saves Gas
Every time you start your engine, you’re using fuel, so planning your trips can help reduce your gas consumption. This is particularly useful if you’re running errands or planning multiple stops. By combining trips and reducing the distance you travel, you can make your driving more efficient.
Some tips for smart trip planning:
Combine errands: Instead of making multiple short trips, try to do all your errands in one go. Cold engines use more fuel, so fewer starts can improve your fuel economy.
Avoid peak traffic times: If possible, plan your trips when traffic is lighter. Stop-and-go traffic burns more fuel, so avoiding rush hour can help you save.
Use GPS for the most efficient route: Many GPS apps provide real-time traffic updates and route optimization, helping you avoid traffic and find the quickest path to your destination.
At Get Drivers Ed, we teach that planning ahead not only makes driving less stressful but also helps you use less fuel, saving you time and money.
Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Savings
Saving money on gas doesn’t require drastic changes. By incorporating these five small habits into your daily routine—driving smoothly, keeping your tires inflated, lightening your load, limiting idling, and planning your trips—you can make a significant impact on your fuel efficiency. Not only will these tips save you money, but they’ll also contribute to safer and more eco-friendly driving practices.
Recap of the 5 Small Things to Save Money on Gas:
Drive Smoothly – Avoid aggressive driving for better fuel efficiency.
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated – Maintain optimal tire pressure to reduce drag.
Lighten Your Load – Remove unnecessary items to improve mileage.
Limit Idling – Turn off the engine when waiting to save fuel.
Plan Your Trips – Combine errands and use efficient routes to save gas.
For more tips on becoming a smarter, safer driver, consider enrolling in one of our online drivers ed courses at Get Drivers Ed. Our courses are designed not only to help you pass your driving test but also to provide valuable insights into responsible and economical driving. Start saving on gas today by becoming a better driver with Get Drivers Ed!
