Improve gas mileage with routine maintenance (spark plugs, filters, oil, tire pressure), smooth driving (gentle acceleration, cruise control), and by reducing weight and aerodynamic drag (remove roof racks, test tailgate configurations). Choose fuel-efficient vehicles for bigger gains and be skeptical of fuel additives. Measure mpg before and after changes to see what helps.

Why fuel economy still matters

Gas prices still swing with the market, so small improvements in fuel efficiency add up. Most of the big gains come from maintenance, smarter driving, and reducing drag and weight.

Routine maintenance that saves fuel

Keep your vehicle in good repair. Replace worn spark plugs, air filters, and follow the manufacturer's schedule for tune-ups. Use the engine oil grade listed in your owner's manual and keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure - underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and lower fuel economy. Get wheel alignment when steering feels off; misalignment increases tire wear and fuel use.

Drive smarter, not harder

Smooth driving saves fuel. Accelerate gently, anticipate traffic to avoid hard braking, and maintain steady speeds on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed on flat roads and can improve efficiency on long highway stretches. Avoid unnecessary idling - modern engines use less fuel restarting than idling for long periods.

Combine errands into a single trip and avoid rush-hour traffic when possible. Cold engines use more fuel, so consolidating short trips can improve overall mileage.

Reduce weight and aerodynamic drag

Remove heavy, unnecessary items from your car. Extra weight forces the engine to work harder, especially in city driving. Remove roof racks or cargo boxes when you're not using them; they increase aerodynamic drag.

At highway speeds, aerodynamic drag matters more than rolling resistance. Open windows increase drag at high speeds, which can reduce fuel economy - at highway speeds, using A/C may be more efficient than driving with windows down, while the opposite is often true at low speeds .

For pickup owners: the common tip to lower the tailgate to improve mileage is a myth in many cases. Some tests show closing the tailgate or using a tonneau cover reduces drag compared with driving with the tailgate down, but results vary by model and load 1.

Fuel, additives, and vehicle choice

Choose a vehicle that fits your needs. Compact cars and hybrids typically deliver higher mpg than full-size trucks and many SUVs. If you're shopping, compare EPA fuel-economy ratings and real-world reviews.

Fuel additives advertise mileage gains, but most independent tests find little consistent benefit for modern engines using the correct fuel grade. Follow manufacturer recommendations for octane and additives 2.

Small changes add up

A combination of regular maintenance, calm driving, lower weight, and better aerodynamics will typically yield the best results. Track your miles per gallon before and after changes to see which steps helped most.

Quick checklist

  • Follow the service schedule and use recommended oil.
  • Keep tires properly inflated and aligned.
  • Drive smoothly and use cruise control on highways.
  • Remove unnecessary weight and roof accessories.
  • Close the tailgate or fit a tonneau cover for pickups if you want to test aerodynamics.
  • Be skeptical of fuel-additive claims; use recommended fuel grade.
These adjustments can reduce fuel costs without major expense. For model-specific guidance, consult your owner's manual or a trusted mechanic.
  1. Confirm typical percentage fuel-economy loss from using A/C versus open windows at various speeds.
  2. Verify aerodynamic effects of lowering a pickup tailgate versus closing it or using a tonneau cover for common truck models.
  3. Check independent test results on the effectiveness of fuel additives for modern engines and which additives (if any) show consistent benefits.

FAQs about Improve Gas Mileage

Does using air conditioning reduce fuel economy?
Yes. A/C uses engine power and can reduce fuel economy, especially in stop-and-go city driving. At highway speeds, however, open windows increase aerodynamic drag and may be less efficient than using A/C - the crossover point depends on speed and vehicle design .
Will cruise control always improve gas mileage?
Cruise control can improve mileage on flat, steady highways by preventing speed fluctuations. It's less effective on hilly or congested roads where it causes unnecessary throttle changes.
Should I lower my truck’s tailgate to save gas?
Not necessarily. Lowering the tailgate can increase turbulence and drag for many pickup designs. In many tests, a closed tailgate or a fitted tonneau cover is more aerodynamic, but results vary by model .
Do fuel additives really improve mileage?
Most independent tests find little consistent mileage benefit from aftermarket fuel additives in modern engines that use the correct fuel grade. Follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations before using additives .
How much can proper tire pressure help my MPG?
Maintaining recommended tire pressure reduces rolling resistance and can measurably improve fuel economy. The exact gain depends on how underinflated the tires were initially; regular checks are simple and cost-effective.