If filling up your tank feels like it’s emptying your wallet, you are not alone! The national average is $3.06 a gallon, but in some places, like California, it costs as much as $4.35 per gallon. Gas prices in many Southern California areas have increased for the second straight week.
Sure, GasBuddy, a PDI company, predicts that the annual national average for gasoline in 2025 will drop to $3.22 per gallon, down from $3.33 in 2024. But why wait? By implementing these 15 proven methods, you can cut your fuel costs significantly and use those savings for something fun, like a trip to Bali or even a splurge on avocado toast.
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Underinflated tires have a higher rolling resistance on the road. Driving with underinflated tires means that your tires will produce more friction for every mile traveled. This will cause your car to work harder and increase fuel consumption. According to the Department of Energy, inflating your tires can improve fuel efficiency by up to 3.3%.
Remove Excess Weight
Carrying unnecessary weight in your car? Time to declutter! According to the Department of Energy, a 100 pounds reduction in weight could reduce your car’s miles per gallon (MPG) by up to 2 percent. The reduction depends on how much additional weight the vehicle carries compared to its size. In smaller cars you’ll feel the impact more than in bigger ones.
Plan Your Routes Wisely
Traffic patterns significantly impact your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Stop-and-go traffic, in particular, can burn more gas. Using navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to select fuel-efficient routes can help reduce gas your daily commutes gas consumption, helping you save money and time. It’s all about efficiency in the end.
Fill Up Your Tank Early in the Week
Knowing WHEN to fill up your tank is essential, and i’s best to fill it up early in the week. You might assume that Monday is the most expensive day to fill up gas as people are gearing up to hit the road to work after the weekend. However, GasBuddy says it is the best day to refuel your tank. On average, Mondays offer the lowest average gas prices across the country. Filling up on Thursday would cost you the most, so try to steer clear of it.
Avoid Idling Whenever Possible
Idling your car for more than 10 seconds can waste fuel. Depending on the vehicle, idling can burn a quarter to a half-gallon of gas per hour. Turning off your engine when parked and restarting it when necessary can save gas, though frequent restarts can wear out your starter over time.
Minimize AC Usage
While air conditioning is a lifesaver on hot days, it can also increase fuel consumption, especially when traveling at lower speeds or in traffic. Reducing AC usage and rolling down your windows can improve fuel efficiency and save money. Enjoy the breeze and the extra cash in your pocket.
Keep Your Windows Up on the Highway
On the contrary, you should turn on the AC and roll up the windows on the highway. Driving with the windows down at speeds over 49 mph causes a lot of wind resistance which can create aerodynamic drag. This aerodynamic drag can result in your vehicle using more energy to move.
Practice Sensible Driving
Driving aggressively, such as by speeding and rapid acceleration, can quickly lower your gas mileage by 33% on highways and 5% in town. It’s better to anticipate traffic situations and maintain a safe distance between vehicles. Doing so will help avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking. Practicing sensible driving may also be safer.
Don’t Go Too Fast or Too Slow
You might be tempted to put the pedal to the metal while on the highway, but resist that temptation! On average, you will burn up to 15% more fuel at 62 mph and 25% more at 68 mph. Sure, each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at different speeds, but gas mileage usually decreases rapidly as speed climbs above 50 mph. However, drive slower than 31 mph, and your engine will drop to a lower gear, thus using more fuel. Hence, maintaining a steady speed is the best way to do it.
Cruise Control Is Your Best Friend
Cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed on flat terrains such as highways, improving fuel efficiency by up to 14%. For those with manual transmissions, staying in high gear when appropriate mimics this effect, reducing engine revolutions per minute (RPM) and saving gas. Always remember that cruise control is your best friend.
Choose Regular Gas Every Time
Skip the premium and opt for the regular when it comes to gas. You might get caught up in the idea that splurging on premium gas is the best way to maintain your car, but nothing can be further from the truth! Premium gas is only needed by luxury cars or high-performance vehicles. If your car doesn’t fall into this category, you can skip it. After all, premium gas costs 50 cents more per gallon than regular.
Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil
Using the right motor oil can improve your gas mileage by 1-2%. For example, if your engine is designed 5W-30 but you use 10W-30, your mileage could drop by 1-2%. Always stick to the manufacturer’s recommended oil grade to get the best results. Also, look for motor oil labeled “Energy Conserving” on the API symbol – it contains additives that help reduce friction and improve efficiency.
Follow Your Vehicle’s Maintenance Schedule
Ensure your car undergoes regular maintenance. You can improve fuel economy by 4% by simply keeping your engine fine-tuned. Changing air filters and spark plugs periodically will keep your engine running smoothly. Remember to keep an eye on the oxygen sensor in your vehicle – a compromised sensor can drop mpg by as much as 40%.
Practice Carpooling
One of the most efficient, and simple ways to save gas, is carpooling. Carpooling is a great way to save time, money, and gasoline. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), driving costs could be reduced by 40-50% if daily commuters carpooled 20 days a month. Carpooling also has the potential to reduce global emissions by as much as 11%. Talk about saving money and the planet.
Use Public Transportation
Last but not least, public transportation, such as the subway or the bus, can be a significant money-saver, eliminating the need to buy gas. It might feel less convenient initially, but skipping gas station visits and avoiding wear and tear on your car can make public transit a worthwhile alternative. Plus, you can start a conversation with the person beside you and make a new friend.
