How to Increase Gas Mileage
Discover practical tips to enhance your vehicle's fuel efficiency.
Maintain Your Vehicle
Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal fuel efficiency. Ensure your engine is running smoothly by following the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. This includes regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections. A well-maintained engine operates more efficiently, which can lead to better gas mileage.
Check Tire Pressure
Keeping your tires properly inflated is one of the simplest ways to improve fuel economy. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, which can decrease your gas mileage. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels found in your owner's manual or on the sticker inside the driver's door.
Drive Smoothly
Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, can significantly reduce fuel efficiency. Aim for smooth acceleration and deceleration, and try to maintain a steady speed. Using cruise control on the highway can help maintain a consistent speed, which can improve gas mileage.
Limit Excess Weight
Carrying unnecessary weight in your vehicle can decrease fuel efficiency. Remove any items from your trunk or back seat that you don't need. Additionally, avoid using roof racks or carriers unless necessary, as they can create drag and reduce gas mileage.
Plan Your Trips
Combining errands into one trip can help save fuel. Short trips often result in lower fuel efficiency because the engine doesn't reach its optimal operating temperature. Planning your routes to avoid heavy traffic can also help you drive more efficiently.
Answered from our EPA fuel data and general, well-established fuel facts in response to real driver questions. Anything car-specific — especially whether premium is required vs recommended — is in your owner's manual, so we point you there instead of guessing.
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EPA/DOE FuelEconomy.gov data retrieved 2026-10-25.