Maximize your vehicle's fuel economy and reduce environmental impact with these expert tips
Miles per gallon (MPG) is the standard measurement for fuel efficiency in the US. Higher MPG means better fuel economy and lower operating costs.
Most vehicles have different efficiency ratings for city and highway driving. Highway driving typically yields better fuel economy due to consistent speeds.
Consider hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric vehicles for significantly improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
Smaller engines generally use less fuel. Turbocharged engines can provide power while maintaining efficiency.
Lighter vehicles require less energy to move, resulting in better fuel economy.
Vehicles designed to minimize air resistance achieve better highway fuel efficiency.
Modern automatic transmissions with more gears can be more efficient than manual transmissions.
Extreme temperatures can reduce fuel efficiency. Cold weather especially can decrease MPG by 10-20%.
Mountainous terrain, poor road surfaces, and stop-and-go traffic can all reduce fuel economy.
Higher quality fuels and proper octane ratings can improve efficiency and engine performance.
Extra weight from cargo reduces fuel efficiency, especially in smaller vehicles.
Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking. Gentle driving can improve fuel economy by up to 20%.
Use cruise control on highways to maintain a constant speed and save fuel.
Modern engines don't need to warm up for long periods. Limit idling to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption.
Every extra 100 pounds in your vehicle can reduce fuel economy by about 1%.
Underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by about 0.2% for every 1 PSI drop in pressure.
Keeping your engine tuned and replacing air filters can improve fuel efficiency significantly.
Different fuel types have varying energy densities, costs, and environmental impacts:
Improving your fuel efficiency or switching to a more efficient vehicle can lead to significant savings over time.
Switching from a vehicle that gets 20 MPG to one that gets 30 MPG can save you approximately $500 per year (based on 15,000 annual miles and $3.00/gallon fuel cost).