With gas prices constantly fluctuating, finding ways to save at the pump is always a win. But that doesn’t mean you need to drive like a hyper-miler or drastically change your habits. In fact, many of the best ways to save on fuel are surprisingly simple—and often overlooked.
Whether you’re commuting daily or just taking occasional trips, small adjustments in how you drive and care for your car can add up to real savings over time.
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
One of the easiest ways to save on gas? Make sure your tires have the right air pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes your engine work harder and burn more fuel.
It doesn’t take a special trip to the shop—just check your tire pressure monthly and top them off as needed. Your owner’s manual or the sticker inside your door frame will tell you the right PSI.
Not only does this save fuel, but it also extends the life of your tires, giving you double the value.
No Aggressive Driving
Quick takeoffs, slamming the brakes, and racing from stoplight to stoplight don’t just stress your vehicle—they burn a lot more gas. Smooth, steady acceleration and gentle braking help your car run more efficiently.
Highway driving is where this really makes a difference. Keeping a consistent speed—rather than constantly speeding up and slowing down—can significantly improve your miles per gallon.
If your car has cruise control, use it on long, open stretches of road to maintain that steady pace and avoid unnecessary fuel use.
Lighten the Load
Got a bunch of stuff in your trunk you haven’t touched in weeks? Carrying extra weight makes your engine work harder, especially in smaller cars. Removing unnecessary cargo can improve fuel economy, particularly on long drives.
The same goes for roof racks and cargo boxes. They create aerodynamic drag, especially at highway speeds, which lowers fuel efficiency by several miles per gallon in some cases. If you're not using them, take them off.
Keep Up With Maintenance
A well-maintained engine runs cleaner and uses fuel more efficiently. Things like dirty air filters, old spark plugs, and clogged fuel injectors can all cause your car to burn more gas than necessary.
If your check engine light is on, don’t ignore it. Sometimes it’s something small, but other times it’s a sensor or component affecting your fuel system. Keeping up with routine maintenance—like oil changes, filter replacements, and tune-ups—helps your car stay efficient and reliable.
Limit Idling Time
Modern engines don’t need long warm-ups, even in cold weather. If you’re letting your car idle for long periods—whether it’s to warm up or while waiting in a parking lot—you’re wasting fuel.
It might not seem like much, but idling burns more gas than restarting the engine in many situations. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s often better to just turn the car off.
Plan Routes and Combine Trips
Short trips with cold starts use the most fuel. Your engine runs richest when it’s warming up, and taking multiple short trips throughout the day means you’re using more fuel overall.
When possible, combine errands into one outing, and plan your route to avoid backtracking or traffic-heavy areas. A little planning goes a long way, especially if you do it regularly.
Looking to save more at the pump? Let Tom’s Auto Center in McFarland, WI help keep your car running at peak efficiency. From tire checks to engine tune-ups, we’ll make sure your vehicle is ready to go the extra mile—without costing more at the gas station.