With gas prices fluctuating and the cost of living rising, many drivers are looking for ways to cut down on their fuel expenses. Whether you’re a daily commuter or someone who loves road trips, learning how to maximize your fuel efficiency can lead to significant savings over time. At Get Drivers Ed, we believe that educating drivers about smart driving habits not only contributes to road safety but also helps you save money. In this blog, we’ll share five practical tips to help you save big on gas and keep more money in your pocket.
1. Practice Fuel-Efficient Driving Habits
One of the most effective ways to save on gas is by adopting fuel-efficient driving habits. The way you drive has a direct impact on your vehicle’s fuel consumption, and even small changes in your driving style can lead to substantial savings over time.
Avoid Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving behaviors such as rapid acceleration, speeding, and hard braking are major fuel guzzlers. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, aggressive driving can lower your gas mileage by as much as 15% to 30% on highways and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic. Instead, aim to accelerate smoothly and gradually, maintain a steady speed, and anticipate stops to avoid hard braking. Not only will this save you gas, but it will also make your driving safer.
Use Cruise Control on Highways
Using cruise control on highways helps maintain a constant speed, which can improve fuel efficiency. By avoiding fluctuations in speed, your engine works more efficiently, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption. However, be cautious when using cruise control on hilly terrain, as it may cause your vehicle to use more gas to maintain speed uphill.
Reduce Idle Time
Idling wastes fuel and gets you zero miles per gallon. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute—such as waiting for someone or stuck in traffic—it’s more fuel-efficient to turn off your engine. Modern engines require less fuel to restart than they do to idle, making this a simple yet effective way to save gas.
At Get Drivers Ed, we teach our students the importance of these driving habits not just for fuel efficiency but for overall safer driving. Learning to drive efficiently is a skill that pays off in more ways than one.
2. Keep Your Vehicle Well-Maintained
Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial for ensuring your car runs efficiently and uses fuel effectively. A well-maintained vehicle not only lasts longer but also operates more economically.
Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder to move the vehicle, leading to higher fuel consumption. Keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your gas mileage by up to 3%. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips, and always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure levels.
Replace Air Filters When Needed
A clean air filter helps your engine breathe easier, which can improve fuel efficiency. Over time, air filters can become clogged with dirt and debris, restricting airflow and making your engine work harder. Replacing a dirty air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10% in older vehicles, while newer cars with fuel-injected, computer-controlled engines may see less dramatic improvements but still benefit from better performance and efficiency.
Use the Right Motor Oil
Using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil can improve your gas mileage by 1% to 2%. Motor oil that is too thick for your engine can create excess friction, forcing the engine to use more fuel. Additionally, look for motor oils that are labeled “Energy Conserving,” which contain friction-reducing additives.
At Get Drivers Ed, we emphasize the importance of vehicle maintenance as part of our driving education. We believe that understanding your vehicle’s needs is a critical aspect of responsible driving, helping you stay safe on the road while also saving money.
3. Plan Your Trips Wisely
Efficient trip planning can help you reduce unnecessary mileage, avoid traffic, and save on gas. By consolidating errands and choosing the most efficient routes, you can cut down on the amount of time and fuel spent on the road.
Combine Errands Into One Trip
Instead of making multiple short trips from home, try to combine errands into one longer trip. When your engine is warm, it operates more efficiently, so several short trips taken from a cold start can use up twice as much fuel as a single, multi-purpose trip. Grouping errands not only saves gas but also reduces wear and tear on your vehicle.
Avoid Rush Hour Traffic
Sitting in traffic wastes fuel and increases your stress levels. Whenever possible, plan your trips during off-peak hours to avoid getting stuck in traffic. Use navigation apps that provide real-time traffic updates and suggest alternative routes to help you avoid congested areas.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
Modern technology offers several tools to help you save on gas. GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze can help you find the shortest route, avoid traffic, and even locate the nearest gas station with the best prices. By using these tools, you can optimize your trips and reduce fuel consumption.
At Get Drivers Ed, we teach our students about the benefits of planning their routes and being mindful of fuel consumption. We believe that being a smart driver also means being a smart planner.
4. Lighten Your Load
The more weight your vehicle carries, the more fuel it needs to move. Reducing the amount of unnecessary weight in your car can improve fuel efficiency, especially during city driving.
Remove Excess Weight
Every extra 100 pounds in your vehicle can reduce your miles per gallon by about 1%. Consider cleaning out your trunk and removing any heavy items that you don’t need for your daily driving. Roof racks and carriers can also create additional drag, reducing fuel efficiency. If you’re not using them, it’s best to remove them.
Travel Light
When packing for a trip, be mindful of how much weight you’re adding to your vehicle. Distribute weight evenly and avoid overloading your car, as this can negatively impact both fuel efficiency and handling.
Be Mindful of Aerodynamics
Driving with windows open at high speeds can increase air resistance, making your vehicle less aerodynamic and reducing fuel efficiency. When driving on the highway, consider keeping windows closed and using air conditioning instead, as this can be more fuel-efficient.
At Get Drivers Ed, we encourage drivers to be aware of how their vehicle’s weight and aerodynamics affect fuel consumption. Small adjustments can lead to significant savings, making every mile more efficient.
5. Choose the Right Fuel
While it might be tempting to opt for premium fuel, especially if you believe it will improve your car’s performance, this isn’t always necessary or cost-effective.
Use the Recommended Fuel Grade
Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the recommended fuel grade. Most cars are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline. Using a higher-octane fuel than recommended won’t necessarily improve performance or fuel efficiency and could just be a waste of money.
Be Cautious with Fuel Additives
There are numerous fuel additives on the market that claim to improve fuel efficiency. However, their effectiveness varies, and some may not be worth the investment. Always do your research and consult your owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic before using any fuel additives.
Refuel at the Right Time
Gasoline expands in warmer temperatures, so refueling during the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are cooler, can give you a slight edge on the amount of fuel you get for your money.
At Get Drivers Ed, we educate our students on the importance of using the right fuel and understanding the factors that can impact fuel efficiency. Being informed about what goes into your tank can help you save at the pump.
