How Can I Improve My Car’s Gas Mileage?

With gas prices constantly fluctuating, getting the most out of every gallon is more important than ever. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency through simple maintenance and smarter driving habits. Whether you drive a compact car, SUV, or truck, these tips can help you maximize mileage and save money at the pump.

1. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, keeping your tires properly inflated can improve gas mileage by up to 3%.

🔧 How to do it:

• Check your tire pressure monthly.
• Inflate tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (found in your owner’s manual or inside the driver’s door).
• Use a quality tire gauge or a gas station air pump to adjust pressure as needed.

Properly inflated tires also last longer and provide better handling, making this a simple yet effective way to boost efficiency.

2. Reduce Excess Weight in Your Car

Every extra 100 pounds in your vehicle can reduce fuel efficiency by 1% to 2%. Carrying unnecessary items in your trunk or backseat forces your engine to use more power, lowering your gas mileage.

🔧 How to do it:

• Remove heavy tools, sports equipment, or unused cargo.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary roof racks, cargo boxes, or bike mounts when not in use.

The lighter your car, the less fuel it needs to move.

3. Drive Smoothly and Avoid Aggressive Acceleration

Rapid acceleration, hard braking, and aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by up to 30% on the highway and 40% in city driving.

🔧 How to do it:

• Accelerate gradually and brake smoothly.
• Avoid rapid starts and stops.
• Use cruise control on highways to maintain a steady speed.

Driving more efficiently not only saves fuel but also extends the lifespan of your brakes and tires.

4. Keep Up with Regular Oil Changes

Using the right type of motor oil can improve fuel efficiency by 1-2%. Old, dirty oil increases friction inside the engine, reducing performance and burning more gas.

🔧 How to do it:

• Follow your manufacturer’s recommended oil change schedule.
• Use high-quality, fuel-efficient synthetic motor oil when possible.

Fresh oil keeps your engine running smoothly and efficiently.

5. Replace Air Filters and Spark Plugs

A clogged air filter can reduce engine performance, while worn-out spark plugs can cause misfires and wasted fuel. Both components play a key role in combustion efficiency.

🔧 How to do it:

• Check your air filter every 12,000-15,000 miles and replace it as needed.
• Replace spark plugs every 30,000-100,000 miles, depending on your vehicle’s specifications.

Maintaining these components ensures optimal fuel burn and prevents unnecessary gas consumption.

6. Use the Right Fuel for Your Vehicle

Many drivers assume that premium gas is better for fuel economy, but if your car is designed for regular unleaded, using premium won’t improve mileage. In fact, it’s just an extra expense.

🔧 How to do it:

• Use the fuel grade recommended in your owner’s manual.
• Avoid overfilling your tank, as excess gas can evaporate.

Using the correct fuel prevents engine knocking and maintains efficiency without wasting money.

7. Avoid Excessive Idling

Idling gets 0 miles per gallon, yet many drivers leave their engines running unnecessarily. If you’re waiting for more than a minute, it’s often more fuel-efficient to turn the car off and restart it when needed.

🔧 How to do it:

• Turn off your engine when waiting in parking lots, driveways, or at long traffic lights.
• Use remote start features sparingly, as extended idling wastes fuel.

Modern engines require minimal warm-up time, even in cold weather.

8. Plan Your Trips Efficiently

Combining errands into one trip instead of making multiple short trips can improve gas mileage. Cold engines use more fuel, so starting and stopping your car repeatedly throughout the day can decrease efficiency.

🔧 How to do it:

• Plan routes ahead of time to minimize stop-and-go driving.
• Use navigation apps to avoid traffic congestion.
• Try to run multiple errands in one trip rather than making separate outings.

A little planning goes a long way in reducing fuel consumption.

9. Use Air Conditioning Wisely

Air conditioning can reduce fuel efficiency, especially at low speeds. However, driving with the windows down at high speeds creates drag, which also lowers gas mileage.

🔧 How to do it:

• At city speeds, roll down windows instead of using AC.
• On the highway, use AC rather than open windows to reduce aerodynamic drag.
• Set your AC to “recirculate” mode to cool the car more efficiently.

Balancing AC use helps keep your car comfortable without wasting fuel.

10. Keep Your Engine Tuned

A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and burns less fuel. Regular tune-ups can improve mileage by up to 4%, and fixing a major issue—like a faulty oxygen sensor—can improve mileage by 40%.

🔧 How to do it:

• Get regular engine diagnostics and tune-ups.
• Fix any “Check Engine” light issues promptly.
• Replace worn belts, hoses, and fuel system components as needed.

An efficient engine means better mileage and fewer costly repairs down the road.

Bonus Tip: Consider Fuel-Efficient Driving Technologies

If you’re looking for an extra edge in fuel savings, newer vehicles come with features designed to maximize gas mileage:

• Eco Mode: Many modern cars have an “Eco” mode that adjusts throttle response and shifting to conserve fuel.
• Cylinder Deactivation: Some engines shut off select cylinders when cruising to save gas.
• Hybrid or Electric Vehicles: If you’re in the market for a new car, consider hybrid or electric options for long-term savings.

These technologies help reduce fuel consumption without compromising performance.

Save Fuel and Money with Smart Driving

Improving gas mileage isn’t just about saving money—it’s also about reducing your carbon footprint and getting the most out of your vehicle. By following these simple maintenance and driving habits, you can increase efficiency, reduce fuel costs, and enjoy a smoother ride.

Need expert maintenance to improve your car’s performance? Hiller Automotive offers professional services to keep your vehicle running efficiently.

📅 Schedule an appointment today and start saving at the pump!