Fuel Economy: How to Get More Miles per Gallon and Save Money

When you think about fuel economy, how far your car can travel on a gallon of gas. Also known as gas mileage, it's not just about the car you drive—it's about how you drive, how you maintain it, and what parts are actually working the way they should. Many people assume better fuel economy means buying a hybrid or electric vehicle, but the truth is, even your oldest gas-powered car can get significantly better mileage with simple fixes.

Tire pressure, how much air is in your tires, is one of the most overlooked factors. Underinflated tires can drop your fuel economy by up to 3%. That’s like paying an extra $0.15 per gallon. Air filters, the part that lets clean air into your engine, also matter. A clogged filter forces your engine to work harder, burning more fuel. And don’t ignore spark plugs, the components that ignite fuel in your engine. Worn ones cause misfires, which waste gas and hurt performance.

Driving habits play a bigger role than most people think. Speeding over 60 mph kills fuel economy fast—every 5 mph over that adds about 7% to your fuel cost. Rapid acceleration and hard braking use up fuel in seconds. Smooth driving isn’t just safer; it’s cheaper. Even idling too long adds up. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turning off the engine saves fuel. And carrying extra weight? Every 100 pounds in your trunk or backseat can reduce fuel economy by 1-2%.

Regular maintenance keeps your car running lean. A dirty throttle body, old oil, or a failing oxygen sensor can all drag down your mileage. You don’t need a dealership to catch these issues—many are easy to spot with a quick check. Look for signs like rough idling, hesitation when accelerating, or the check engine light. Those aren’t just annoyances—they’re fuel thieves.

There’s no magic gadget or additive that will double your miles per gallon. Real gains come from smart habits and keeping your car in good shape. Whether you drive a pickup truck hauling gear, a sedan commuting daily, or an older SUV on weekend trips, improving your fuel economy is about consistency, not upgrades.

Below, you’ll find real-world advice from people who’ve actually done the work—how to check your tire pressure right, what maintenance tasks give the biggest bang for your buck, and which parts are worth replacing to save gas. No fluff. Just what works.