How to save gas: 12 tips that actually work

1. Drive like there's an egg under the pedal

Speeding, rapid acceleration and hard braking waste gas. fueleconomy.gov puts the cost at roughly 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic. Accelerate gently, look ahead and coast toward red lights instead of braking late. Your brake pads last longer too (see our brakes guide).

2. Slow down on the highway

Every car has a sweet spot, but mileage usually falls off quickly above 50 mph because wind resistance climbs with speed. Keeping to the speed limit can improve fuel economy by 7% to 14%. On a long drive, leaving ten minutes earlier and driving 65 instead of 75 is one of the easiest savings there is.

3. Use cruise control on open roads

Holding a steady speed saves gas. On flat highways cruise control does it better than your foot. In hilly country, switch it off and let the speed drop a little on climbs.

4. Stop idling

An idling engine burns a quarter to half a gallon an hour, depending on engine size and air conditioning. Restarting a warm engine uses only about 10 seconds' worth of fuel, so if you're waiting more than a short while, turn it off where it is safe and legal to do so. Many newer cars do this automatically with stop-start systems.

5. Keep your tires properly inflated

Correct pressure improves mileage by about 0.6% on average, up to 3%, and every 1 psi drop across all four tires costs about 0.2%. Use the pressure on the sticker inside the driver's door, not the maximum printed on the tire, and check when the tires are cold. More in our tire guide.

6. Use the motor oil your manual recommends

Using the manufacturer's recommended grade improves mileage by 1% to 2%. Putting 10W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-30 can lower it by the same amount. Look for "Energy Conserving" on the API symbol. See the maintenance guide.

7. Take the roof box off when you're not using it

A rooftop cargo box costs about 2% to 8% in city driving, 6% to 17% on the highway and 10% to 25% at Interstate speeds. A rear-mounted carrier is far better, at about 1% to 5%. Empty roof racks add drag too.

8. Clear out the trunk

An extra 100 pounds can reduce mileage by about 1%, and the effect is bigger on smaller cars. Golf clubs, sports gear and boxes you meant to drop off all count.

9. Combine errands into one trip

A warm engine is more efficient than a cold one. Several short trips, each starting cold, can use twice as much fuel as one multi-stop trip covering the same distance. Plan the route so you're not doubling back.

10. Buy the octane your car needs, no more

If your owner's manual calls for regular, premium gas gives no benefit in mileage or performance. The FTC says the same. If your car requires premium, use it; if premium is only "recommended", try regular and see whether you notice a difference.

11. Air conditioning or windows down?

Both cost something. Air conditioning can noticeably cut mileage, especially in very hot weather and on short trips. Open windows add drag at highway speeds. A good rule of thumb: windows down around town, AC on the highway, and park in the shade so the cabin starts cooler.

12. Pay less per gallon

Use a price app before you fill up. Join the free loyalty program at the stations you already use, and pay with a card that earns cash back. Stacked together, the savings add up on every fill-up. The fuel rewards guide shows how.

Gear that helps

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