Gas Saving Tips

Spend less on gas, tires and car care

Simple, proven ways to stretch every gallon, plus where to find better prices on tires, brakes, oil changes and fuel rewards.

Green fuel nozzle filling a white car
Photo: Engin Akyurt / Pexels

The 10 habits that save the most gas

  1. Drive smoothly. Hard acceleration and braking can cut gas mileage by roughly 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic (fueleconomy.gov).
  2. Ease off the speed. Mileage usually drops quickly above 50 mph. Sticking to the speed limit is worth 7% to 14%.
  3. Don't idle. Idling burns a quarter to half a gallon an hour. Restarting a warm engine uses only about 10 seconds' worth of fuel.
  4. Check tire pressure monthly. Correct pressure improves mileage by about 0.6% on average, up to 3%. Tire guide
  5. Use the right motor oil. The grade your manual recommends is worth 1% to 2%. Maintenance guide
  6. Take the cargo box off. A roof box can cost 10% to 25% at Interstate speeds.
  7. Lose the extra weight. Every 100 pounds costs about 1%.
  8. Combine errands. One longer trip with a warm engine uses less fuel than several short cold starts.
  9. Buy the grade your car needs. If the manual says regular, premium buys you nothing.
  10. Stack your rewards. Station loyalty programs, grocery fuel points and a cash-back card can all apply to the same fill-up. Rewards guide

Read the full gas-saving guide →

Guides

Gas-saving tipsDriving and car habits that cut your fuel billTiresPressure, tread, age and where to buy for lessBrakesWarning signs, what it costs and how to saveMaintenanceOil changes, filters, glass and a simple scheduleCash BackFuel rewards, warehouse clubs and cash-back cardsRoad TripsPlan, budget and book a cheaper road trip

Trip fuel cost calculator

Driving gently at or below the speed limit can improve mileage by 10% or more, according to fueleconomy.gov. The second figure shows what a 10% improvement would save.

Where we shop for car stuff

Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How we make money.

Tire Rack

Huge tire selection with owner reviews and independent test results. Tires ship to your door or straight to a local installer.

Compare tires →

Valvoline Instant Oil Change

Drive-through oil changes, usually done while you stay in the car. Check the site for current coupons.

Find an oil change →

Discover Cars

Compares rental cars from many companies. Handy when a rental beats putting road-trip miles on your own car.

Compare rental cars →

Saving on gas so you can travel more?

Gas Saving Tips is part of a family of travel sites. Once the car is ready, find a cheap room on Rooms Cheap, things to do on 101 Things to Do in the USA and ideas on See and Do the USA. Our road trip guide puts it all together.

Frequently asked questions

What is the single best way to save gas?

Change how you drive. Smooth acceleration, early braking and keeping to the speed limit make the biggest difference, often 10% or more, and cost nothing.

Is it worth driving across town for cheaper gas?

Usually not for a few cents a gallon. A 15-mile detour in a 25 mpg car uses 0.6 gallons, about $1.95 at $3.25 a gallon. Saving 10 cents a gallon on a 12-gallon fill-up is only $1.20.

Do gas-saving gadgets and additives work?

Be skeptical. The Federal Trade Commission warns that the EPA has tested many so-called gas-saving devices and has not found any that significantly improve mileage. Tire pressure and driving habits do.