Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Our gas mileage tips can help you reduce the amount of gas you use. If you are already following these tips, you are probably getting the best gas mileage your car can deliver.
Drive Sensibly
Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas.
It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.
<TABLE class=gas-tip-table><TBODY><TR><TH class=benefit-header>Fuel Economy Benefit:</TH><TD class=benefit-quantity>5?33%</TD></TR><TR><TH class=benefit-header>Equivalent Gasoline Savings:</TH><TD class=benefit-quantity>$0.19?$1.28/gallon</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Observe the Speed Limit
While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.
You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.31 per gallon for gas.
Observing the speed limit is also safer.
<TABLE class=gas-tip-table><TBODY><TR><TH class=benefit-header>Fuel Economy Benefit:</TH><TD class=benefit-quantity>7?23%</TD></TR><TR><TH class=benefit-header>Equivalent Gasoline Savings:</TH><TD class=benefit-quantity>$0.27?$0.89/gallon</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Remove Excess Weight
Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.
<TABLE class=gas-tip-table><TBODY><TR><TH class=benefit-header>Fuel Economy Benefit:</TH><TD class=benefit-quantity>1?2%/100 lbs</TD></TR><TR><TH class=benefit-header>Equivalent Gasoline Savings:</TH><TD class=benefit-quantity>$0.04?$0.08/gallon</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Avoid Excessive Idling
Idling can use a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner (AC) use. Turn off your engine when your vehicle is parked. It only takes a few seconds worth of fuel to restart your vehicle. Turning your engine on and off excessively, however, may increase starter wear.
<TABLE class=gas-tip-table><TBODY><TR><TH class=benefit-header>Fuel Cost Savings:</TH><TD class=benefit-quantity>$0.01?$0.03/min. (AC off)</TD></TR><TR><TH class=benefit-header></TH><TD class=benefit-quantity>$0.02?$0.04/min. (AC on)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Use Cruise Control
Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.
Use Overdrive Gears
When you use overdrive gearing, your car's engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces engine wear.
Note: Cost savings are based on an assumed fuel price of $3.87/gallon.
Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned
Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done.
Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.
<TABLE class=gas-tip-table><TBODY><TR><TH class=benefit-header>Fuel Economy Benefit:</TH><TD class=benefit-quantity>4%</TD></TR><TR><TH class=benefit-header>Equivalent Gasoline Savings:</TH><TD class=benefit-quantity>$0.15/gallon</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Keep Tires Properly Inflated
You can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.
The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb or the glove box and in your owner's manual. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on the tire's sidewall.
<TABLE class=gas-tip-table><TBODY><TR><TH class=benefit-header>Fuel Economy Benefit:</TH><TD class=benefit-quantity>Up to 3%</TD></TR><TR><TH class=benefit-header>Equivalent Gasoline Savings:</TH><TD class=benefit-quantity>Up to $0.12/gallon</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil
You can improve your gas mileage by 1?2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1?2 percent. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1?1.5 percent. Also, look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.
<TABLE class=gas-tip-table><TBODY><TR><TH class=benefit-header>Fuel Economy Benefit:</TH><TD class=benefit-quantity>1?2%</TD></TR><TR><TH class=benefit-header>Equivalent Gasoline Savings:</TH><TD class=benefit-quantity>$0.04?$0.08/gallon</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
NEW INFORMATION: Replacing a Clogged Air Filter on Modern Cars Improves Performance but Not MPG
A new study
Tests suggest that replacing a clogged air filter on an older car with a carbureted engine may improve fuel economy 2 to 6 percent under normal replacement conditions or up to 14 percent if the filter is so clogged that it significantly affects drivability.
The effect of a clogged air filter on diesel vehicles will be tested in the near future.
Note: Cost savings are based on an assumed fuel price of $3.87/gallon.
Combining errands into one trip saves you time and money. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.
Trip planning ensures that traveling is done when the engine is warmed-up and efficient, and it can reduce the distance you travel.
Commuting
Stagger your work hours to avoid peak rush hours.
Drive your most fuel-efficient vehicle.
Consider telecommuting (working from home) if your employer permits it.
Take advantage of carpools and ride-share programs. You can cut your weekly fuel costs in half and save wear on your car if you take turns driving with other commuters. Many urban areas allow vehicles with multiple passengers to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes which are typically less congested, further improving your fuel economy.
Consider using public transit if it is available and convenient for you. The American Public Transit Transportation Association has links to information about public transportation in your state.
Traveling
A roof rack or carrier provides additional cargo space and may allow you to meet your needs with a smaller car. However, a loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5 percent. Reduce aerodynamic drag and improve your fuel economy by placing items inside the trunk whenever possible.
Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 lbs in the trunk reduces a typical car's fuel economy by 1-2 percent.
Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicles for the Current Model YearThinking about buying a new vehicle?
You've come to the right place.
www.fueleconomy.gov has gas mileage estimates and more information for 1984-2013 model year cars.
Selecting which vehicle to purchase is the most important fuel economy decision you'll make.
The difference between a car that gets 20 MPG and one that gets 30 MPG amounts to $968 per year (assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $3.87).
That's $4,840 extra in fuel costs over five years!
Use www.fueleconomy.gov's Find and Compare Cars section to find the most fuel efficient vehicle that will meet your needs.
The sites below provide information on maximizing the fuel efficiency of your car.
- How to be Penny Wise, Not Pump Fuelish (U.S. Federal Trade Commission)
- ecoENERGY for Personal Vehicles (Natural Resources Canada)