Gas prices are creeping up again, and you’re probably annoyed every time you pull up to the pump. But before you blame the economy or oil companies, take a hard look at how you drive. You’re likely burning through fuel — and cash — for no good reason.
It’s time to stop the bleeding. You don’t need to trade in your car for a hybrid to see a difference. You just need to change your habits. According to the Associated Press, small adjustments behind the wheel can stretch your fuel.
We’ve shown you ways to save on gas, but these are different. These are the simplest, laziest ways you can change your behavior today.
Here are 10 dead-simple ways to get better gas mileage starting today.
10 tips for saving on gas
1. Slow down on the highway: I know you’re in a hurry, but speeding is destroying your fuel economy. Vehicles hit their peak efficiency around 50 miles per hour. The Department of Energy notes that every 5 miles per hour you drive over 50 mph is the equivalent of paying an extra 27 cents per gallon. Take your foot off the floorboard and stick closer to the speed limit.
2. Stop idling everywhere you go: If you’re waiting to pick someone up or sitting in a drive-thru line that isn’t moving, turn off your engine. An idling engine burns up to a half gallon of gas per hour. It only takes about 10 seconds’ worth of fuel to restart your car. Sitting there running your engine is burning cash for zero miles per gallon.
3. Ditch the roof rack: If you aren’t actively hauling skis, bikes, or a cargo box, take that rack off your roof. It creates aerodynamic drag that forces your engine to work harder. That drag can slash your fuel economy by up to 25% at interstate speeds.
4. Clear the junk out of your trunk: Your car isn’t a storage unit. Carrying around heavy tools, sports equipment, or bags of donation clothes you haven’t dropped off yet is weighing you down. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle reduces your gas mileage by about 1%. Clean it out.
5. Check your tire pressure: Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance on the pavement. That means your engine has to work harder just to push the car forward. The Associated Press notes that poor inflation can impact your gas mileage by 5% to 10%. Check the sticker inside your driver’s side door for your tires’ correct pressure, grab a gauge, and fill them up.
6. Coast to stoplights: Stop gunning the engine only to slam on the brakes at the next red light. Anticipate traffic flow. If you see a red light ahead, take your foot off the gas and let the car coast. Aggressive driving wastes a shocking amount of fuel, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
7. Use your cruise control: When you’re driving on a flat highway, turn on your cruise control. It maintains a constant speed far better than your foot can, eliminating the tiny, unconscious accelerations and decelerations that burn extra gas.
8. Stop buying premium gas: Unless your owner’s manual explicitly states that premium fuel is required, you’re wasting money. Most modern cars run perfectly fine on regular. Premium gas doesn’t clean your engine better or give you more power if your car isn’t designed for it.
9. Change the day you fill up: Gas prices fluctuate based on the day of the week. If you’re filling up on Thursday, you’re picking the worst day of the week to buy gas. Studies show Monday is typically the cheapest day to hit the pump. Plan your fill-ups accordingly.
10. Buy your gas at warehouse clubs: If you have a membership to Costco or Sam’s Club, you should be getting your fuel there. Their prices are consistently lower than regular stations. There’s another reason to buy gas at Costco: It meets Top Tier standards, meaning it has additives that prevent engine deposit buildup, keeping your car running efficiently.
Start using these tactics today. They don’t cost a dime, but they’ll keep a lot more of your money in your wallet.
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