Fuel Efficiency Fixes That Take 15 Minutes or Less

Gas prices might fluctuate, but one thing stays the same: no one wants to spend more at the pump than they have to. While upgrading to a hybrid or electric vehicle isn’t in the cards for everyone, there are a few quick, low-effort ways to improve your car’s fuel efficiency — no fancy tools or deep mechanical knowledge required.

Whether you're commuting daily or just looking to stretch your tank a bit farther, here are a few easy fuel-saving fixes you can knock out on your next lunch break.

Check Your Tire Pressure

Underinflated tires can seriously drag down your fuel economy — in fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates you lose about 0.2% in fuel economy for every 1 psi drop in pressure across all four tires. The good news? Fixing it takes five minutes.

Use a pressure gauge to check each tire, and inflate to the recommended PSI listed in your owner’s manual or the driver-side door jamb. Many gas stations offer free or low-cost air stations if you don’t have one at home.

Swap Out a Dirty Air Filter

Your engine needs a steady flow of clean air to run efficiently. A clogged or dirty air filter makes your engine work harder, burning more fuel in the process.

Most air filters are cheap and easy to replace — no tools needed for many models. Just pop the hood, open the air filter housing, swap the old one out, and you’re done in under 10 minutes.

Lighten the Load

Every extra 100 pounds in your vehicle can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 1%, especially in smaller cars. If your trunk has become a second closet, or your backseat is carrying around old gear, it might be time for a quick clean-out.

Take a few minutes to remove anything you don’t need for daily driving — you’ll instantly help your fuel economy, and your car will feel less cluttered.

Tighten or Replace the Gas Cap

A loose or cracked gas cap can let fuel vapors escape, which not only hurts your mileage but can also trigger your check engine light.

It only takes a moment to inspect your gas cap for wear or damage. If it’s not sealing properly, replacements are inexpensive and easy to find online or at any auto parts store.

Cut Back on Idling

Letting your car idle might seem harmless — or even helpful in cold weather — but it wastes more fuel than restarting the engine. Modern engines are designed to handle frequent starts and stops, and cutting back on unnecessary idling can make a real difference over time.

Next time you’re waiting in a parking lot or drive-thru line, turn off the engine if you’ll be stopped for more than a minute. It’s better for your fuel bill and the environment.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need a mechanic or a new car to improve your MPG — just a few minutes and a little know-how. Simple fixes like checking tire pressure, swapping your air filter, and lightening your load can add up to real savings at the pump.

While you're at it, it’s also a good time to review your auto insurance. Driving a more efficient vehicle — or showing you take good care of the one you have — can sometimes unlock better rates. Comparing quotes could help you save even more in the long run.