15 Tips to Improve Your Car's Fuel Efficiency
Save money on gas with these proven fuel efficiency tips. From driving habits to maintenance, learn how to maximize your MPG.
Every Mile Per Gallon Counts
With fluctuating gas prices, improving your car's fuel efficiency saves real money. Whether you drive a fuel-sipper or a larger vehicle, these tips can help you squeeze more miles from every gallon.
Driving Habits (The Biggest Impact)
1. Accelerate Gently
Aggressive acceleration burns significantly more fuel. Ease onto the gas pedal—imagine there's an egg under it.
Savings: Up to 33% improvement in fuel economy
2. Maintain Steady Speed
Constant speed changes waste fuel. Use cruise control on highways when safe.
Savings: Up to 14% improvement on highways
3. Anticipate Traffic
Look ahead and coast to slowdowns instead of racing to red lights and braking hard.
4. Avoid Excessive Idling
If you'll be stopped for more than 60 seconds (not in traffic), consider turning off the engine.
Modern fact: Restarting uses less fuel than 10 seconds of idling.
5. Obey Speed Limits
Fuel economy drops significantly above 50 mph. Every 5 mph over 50 is like paying an extra $0.20-$0.30 per gallon.
Maintenance That Saves Fuel
6. Keep Tires Properly Inflated
Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and fuel consumption.
Check: Monthly, when tires are cold Savings: Up to 3% improvement
7. Use the Recommended Motor Oil
The wrong viscosity oil increases engine friction. Use what your owner's manual specifies.
Savings: 1-2% improvement
8. Replace Air Filters
A clogged air filter can reduce fuel economy on older vehicles. Replace every 12,000-15,000 miles.
9. Keep Your Engine Tuned
Fixing a car that's noticeably out of tune can improve MPG by about 4%. A faulty oxygen sensor alone can hurt MPG by up to 40%.
10. Regular Oil Changes
Fresh oil reduces engine friction. Don't skip scheduled changes.
Reduce Vehicle Load
11. Remove Excess Weight
Every 100 pounds reduces MPG by about 1-2%. Clean out that trunk!
12. Remove Roof Racks When Not in Use
Roof racks and cargo carriers create aerodynamic drag, hurting highway MPG by up to 25%.
13. Close Windows at High Speed
Open windows at highway speeds create significant drag. Use A/C instead—it's more efficient at high speeds.
Smart Fuel Choices
14. Use the Right Octane
Most cars run fine on regular (87 octane). Using premium when not required wastes money without improving performance.
Exception: If your vehicle requires premium, use it.
15. Avoid Topping Off
Stop pumping when the nozzle clicks. Overfilling can waste fuel through evaporation and harm the evaporative emission system.
Bonus Tips
Plan Your Trips
- Combine errands into one trip
- Avoid peak traffic hours when possible
- Use GPS to avoid traffic and find efficient routes
Park Smart
- Park in shade to reduce fuel evaporation
- Park facing out for easier departure (less maneuvering)
Consider Your A/C Use
- A/C can reduce fuel economy by up to 25% in city driving
- In mild weather, use the fan or open windows (at low speeds)
How Much Can You Save?
Implementing these tips could improve your fuel economy by 20-30%:
Example: If you drive 12,000 miles/year at 25 MPG ($3.50/gallon):
- Current: 480 gallons = $1,680/year
- 20% improvement (30 MPG): 400 gallons = $1,400/year
- Annual savings: $280
Maintenance for Better MPG in NYC
NYC Mobile Auto Assist offers maintenance services that help fuel economy:
- Tire pressure checks and inflation
- Air filter replacement
- Oil changes with manufacturer-recommended oil
- Engine tune-up services
Save money on gas and maintenance with mobile service—we come to you.
Need Professional Help?
NYC Mobile Auto Assist provides expert mobile mechanic services throughout all five boroughs. We come to you!