7 Good Driving Habits That Save You Gas and Money

Though you may not be driving as much as you used to, gas probably still eats up a portion of your monthly budget. If you want to save on gas costs—and, honestly, who wouldn’t want to save on gas costs—the good news is that efficient driving can help you save gas and cash.

You may already use some of these tips to save gas. However, you might be surprised to learn that some common habits waste more gas than you think. Here are some good driving habits to get into if you want to make the most of the gas in your car’s tank.

• Don’t idle. You might be surprised to learn that idling uses more gas than shutting off and restarting your engine. If you’re waiting in the car for a few minutes, you’re better off turning it off first.
• Keep your speed consistent. Most cars use fuel less efficiently once they’re moving faster than 50 miles per hour. Driving at the speed limit is the most efficient way to save gas, and using cruise control on a longer trip will also help.
• Don’t weigh yourself down. It may go without saying, but hauling a heavy load around will also decrease your gas mileage. If you’re carrying items you don’t need, take a minute to clear them out of your trunk before your next trip.
• Drive thoughtfully. Aggressive driving isn’t just dangerous to yourself and other drivers—it also kills your fuel efficiency. Speeding, slamming the gas pedal, and jackrabbit starts are extremely detrimental for fuel efficiency, so avoid these when possible.
• Stay on top of maintenance. Keeping your car in tip-top shape—i.e., keeping up with regular oil changes and other services and maintaining the right tire pressure—will also help you maintain peak fuel efficiency.
• Carpool. It might not cut your fuel efficiency on the trip itself, but if you can do so safely, carpooling is a great way to split gas costs and save money. (Or, if you alternate drivers, you can save fuel and miles on your vehicle.)
• Make several short trips in one day. An engine that’s already warmed up will run more efficiently than an engine that’s starting from completely cold. So, consider running all of your errands at once instead of over the course of a few days.