Fuel Economy Tips
Small driving changes add up to real savings at the pump. Most drivers can improve mileage by 5 to 15 percent without buying anything.
Driving Habits
- Accelerate and brake smoothly; hard launches waste fuel
- Keep speed steady; above 60 mph, drag rises sharply
- Combine errands into one trip so the engine stays warm
- Limit idling — modern engines use less fuel restarting than idling long
Tires and Load
Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and cut MPG. Check pressure monthly. Remove roof racks and heavy trunk clutter you do not need — extra weight burns more fuel.
Maintenance
A clean air filter, fresh oil, and tuned engine all help efficiency. Fix stuck oxygen sensors or misfires promptly — they silently drain economy.
What Moves Your MPG
Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and highway speeding are the biggest avoidable wastes. Tire pressure, excess weight, and roof boxes add drag. Smooth driving alone can recover 10–20% of lost economy.
Simple Habits
- Keep tires at the door-jamb pressure
- Remove unused roof racks and heavy cargo
- Combine short trips into one warm drive
- Avoid long idling to warm up the engine
Tracking Saves Money
Log fill-ups and miles to spot a falling trend early — a dropping MPG often signals low tire pressure, a dirty filter, or a dragging brake before the dashboard warns you.
Tire Pressure Precision
Even 5 psi low adds rolling resistance and wear. Check monthly with a gauge, not the eyeball. The correct number is on the door jamb, not the tire sidewall — that max is not the recommended pressure.
Cruise and Coasting
On flat highways, cruise control steadies speed and saves fuel. In hills, lift early and coast toward slower limits instead of braking late. Anticipation is the cheapest economy upgrade you can make.
Weight and Aerodynamics
Every 100 pounds of cargo costs a little fuel, and an open window at highway speed hurts more than AC. Keep the trunk lean and windows up on the freeway to protect your miles per gallon.
Plan and Combine
Cold engines burn extra fuel, so chain errands into one trip once the engine is warm. A few combined drives a week instead of daily short hops can recover real fuel and reduce wear at the same time.
DriveReady Hub — Informational only. Not affiliated with any DMV or government agency.