Saving at the pump isn’t just about chasing deals or joining rewards programs—it also comes down to how you drive. Certain habits may seem harmless but quietly reduce your miles per gallon (MPG), costing you more over time. Whether you’re commuting daily or just trying to stretch your fuel budget, recognizing these behaviors can help you save with every tank.
Here are 10 common driving habits that silently drain your gas tank—and simple changes that can make a noticeable difference.
- Idling for Too Long
Leaving your car running while parked wastes gas, even for short periods. Idling for just 10 minutes can burn up to a quarter gallon, especially in larger vehicles. If you’re waiting more than a minute or two, it’s more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine.
- Rapid Acceleration and Hard Braking
Aggressive driving is one of the fastest ways to burn fuel. Quick acceleration and sudden stops force your engine to work harder. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, smooth driving can improve your fuel efficiency by up to 33% on highways and 5% in city traffic.
- Driving at High Speeds
Once you pass 50 mph, your fuel economy starts to drop rapidly. Each 5 mph over that threshold can cost you an additional $0.15–$0.30 per gallon. Slowing down just a bit can make a surprising difference on long trips.
- Carrying Excess Weight
The heavier your vehicle, the more fuel it uses. An extra 100 pounds can reduce MPG by about 1%, especially in smaller vehicles. Empty your trunk and roof racks of anything you don’t need.
- Using the Wrong Gear
In manual cars, driving in a lower gear than necessary revs the engine more than needed. Even in automatics, using “sport mode” or towing settings when not required can waste fuel.
- Poor Route Planning
Making multiple short trips or getting stuck in traffic unnecessarily burns more fuel than combining errands or taking the most efficient path. Use apps like Waze or Google Maps to avoid congestion and plan fuel-efficient routes.
- Ignoring Tire Pressure
Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making your car work harder. Check your tire pressure monthly and keep it at the recommended PSI listed in your car’s manual or on the driver’s side door.
- Overusing the Air Conditioner
Air conditioning can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 25% in extreme heat, particularly during city driving. On cooler days, opt for open windows at lower speeds or use the vehicle’s fan setting instead of max A/C.
- Skipping Maintenance
Old spark plugs, dirty air filters, or neglected oil changes all reduce engine efficiency. Following your vehicle’s maintenance schedule ensures your engine runs optimally and burns less fuel.
- Not Tracking Fuel Efficiency
If you’re not monitoring your MPG, you won’t notice when something’s off. You can track fuel usage manually by recording odometer readings and gallons filled, or use apps like Fuelly or Drivvo to analyze fuel economy trends and detect drops in performance.
Small Changes, Big Results
The best part? Most of these fixes are free or cost very little. By making small adjustments to how you drive—like easing off the gas pedal, turning off the engine while waiting, or keeping your tires properly inflated—you could improve fuel efficiency by up to 30%.
Over time, that adds up to hundreds of dollars saved per year, all without changing where or how you buy gas.
