Fuel efficiency isn’t just about the car you drive—it’s about how you drive it. Whether you’re commuting daily, making deliveries, or heading out on a weekend trip, your driving habits can significantly affect how much fuel your vehicle consumes. Small changes in behavior can translate into big savings at the pump. Here’s how to fine-tune your driving style to get the most mileage out of every gallon.
- Rapid Acceleration and Hard Braking Waste Fuel
You might think accelerating quickly gets you to your destination faster, but it often leads to higher fuel consumption. Rapid acceleration uses more engine power, burning more fuel than necessary. Similarly, slamming on the brakes wastes the energy your car just used to move forward.
Tip: Accelerate smoothly and anticipate traffic conditions so you can brake gradually. It’s safer—and far more efficient.
- Idling Burns More Than You Think
Letting your car idle for long periods, especially in the winter to “warm it up,” can be a major fuel drain. Most modern engines only need 30 seconds or so to get going. Beyond that, idling wastes fuel and contributes to unnecessary emissions.
What to do instead: If you’re stopped for more than a minute—like in a drive-thru line or while waiting for someone—consider turning off your engine. If you’re a frequent drive-thru user, consider ordering online and opting for pickup instead. Places like Panera Bread and Chipotle offer convenient mobile ordering options that reduce idle time and waiting.
- Cruise Control: When and Where to Use It
Cruise control can be a great tool for maintaining a consistent speed on the highway, which improves fuel economy. However, it’s not ideal for hilly terrain or in stop-and-go traffic, where it can cause your engine to overwork by trying to maintain a set speed regardless of the incline.
Best practice: Use cruise control on flat, open highways and disable it when driving in traffic or on winding roads.
- Don’t Speed—It Costs You
While it might be tempting to push past the speed limit, fuel efficiency tends to decrease significantly once you exceed 60 mph. For most cars, each additional 5 mph over that threshold can be like paying an extra $0.20–$0.30 per gallon.
Drive smart: Stay within posted speed limits and monitor your RPMs to ensure your engine isn’t overworking unnecessarily.
- Small Adjustments, Big Impact
Here are a few simple tweaks that add up over time:
- Remove excess weight from your trunk or roof rack.
- Keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
- Use the correct grade of motor oil for your engine.
- Combine errands into one trip instead of multiple short ones.
If you shop at hardware or auto supply stores for maintenance needs, merchants like Advance Auto Parts and Ace Hardware can be a great place to stock up on essential tools and fluids that support vehicle efficiency.
Fuel economy isn’t just about fuel prices—it’s about long-term habits that reduce wear on your vehicle and your wallet. The next time you get behind the wheel, remember: smoother, smarter driving leads to real savings.
