When gas prices spike, filling up can feel like a monthly shock instead of a routine errand. But experts interviewed by Associated Press say drivers often can reduce how quickly their tanks empty by focusing on everyday behaviors—how fast they go, whether they idle, and how much extra drag their vehicles carry—along with practical maintenance and buying choices that affect fuel economy.
Consumer Reports’ Michael Crossen said the central idea is simple: drivers can make a difference without changing vehicles overnight. “It’s a hard one to swallow, right? You gotta put gas in to go about your day and get to work and pick the kids up from school,” Crossen said. Experts then urged drivers to treat gasoline use as something that can be managed through driving style and vehicle setup rather than just monitored at the pump.
One of the most direct changes is speed. Kelley Blue Book’s Sean Tucker said vehicles are designed for efficiency around highway speeds and urged drivers to stick to about 65 mph. “Stick to 65 (mph, 105 kph) on the highway,” Tucker said, adding that faster driving can reduce fuel efficiency because cars are geared for maximum efficiency at that speed. Tucker also said cruise control can help drivers maintain a steady pace, reducing fluctuations that come from jerky acceleration and hard braking.
Experts also recommended modifying how drivers approach stops. They said coasting toward traffic lights can help, whether the light is red or the green light is likely to change soon. The aim, they said, is to reduce unnecessary acceleration and braking that burn fuel, particularly in stop-and-go traffic.
Another measure targets time spent idling. David Bennett, AAA senior automotive manager, said drivers should use a vehicle’s automatic start-stop feature rather than disabling it. “If you’re stuck in traffic and you see it bumper to bumper for a while and you have start-stop, don’t turn that off,” Bennett said. He said drivers should allow the engine to shut off and restart as needed, and experts added that the feature can be especially helpful when drivers do not need heavy air conditioning while waiting.
To reduce fuel waste while moving, experts urged drivers to cut aerodynamic drag and excess weight. Crossen said roof racks and bike racks can cost fuel because they create extra resistance through the air, likening their effect to dragging added equipment when they are not in use. “If you’re not actually using those devices, it’s like dragging a parachute behind your car,” Crossen said. Experts also advised leaving heavy items that are not needed at home instead of carrying them in back seats, trunks, or truck beds.
Maintenance and tires are another lever for efficiency. Experts said drivers should ensure tires are properly inflated based on vehicle manuals, with one suggestion being to check tire pressure every other fill-up. Bennett said lower-inflated tires increase road resistance and can affect how the car accelerates, with experts estimating it can reduce gas mileage by up to 10%. Tucker said drivers who notice they are not getting close to expected fuel economy should consider an auto shop visit for basic checks, including replacing an air filter or oxygen sensors that help determine the fuel mixture.
Experts also pointed to trip planning as a practical way to reduce fuel consumption. They said carpooling can lower each person’s fuel costs and that drivers can aim to make fewer trips overall by combining errands. Crossen said drivers should avoid unnecessary detours for small savings, urging more thoughtful route and errand planning. “Don’t make unnecessary stops. Don’t drive all the way across town just to save a dollar on eggs,” Crossen said. “Plan your trips. Don’t drive if you don’t have to.”
Beyond driving and maintenance, experts said drivers should pay attention to what gas they buy and where they buy it. They said some cars require premium fuel and should get it, but that drivers sometimes pay for premium when their vehicles can run on regular. Experts also said “Top Tier” gas, which includes additives aimed at clearing carbon deposits, is not required during high-price periods or shortages but can be beneficial for vehicle long-term maintenance. They also noted that apps such as GasBuddy can help drivers compare prices locally or along their route and advised checking gas purchase timing, including starting to look for fuel around the halfway mark in the tank to watch for lower prices.
Finally, experts said drivers who are in the market for a new car can consider switching to models that use less fuel. They cited that the average age of vehicles on the road is about 12 years and that newer cars tend to be more fuel efficient than older ones. When drivers are not ready to go fully electric, experts said they can consider hybrid models, and when they are ready, electric vehicles—including used options—are available.