Find Actions

Do not "top off" gas tanks

Make sure not to “top off” your tank because it can result in paying for gasoline that is fed back into the station's tanks when your tank is full. It also leads to more air pollution due to evaporation of excess gas.

Calculate and track your vehicle's gas mileage

Tracking your average miles per gallon (mpg) can alert you to possible problems, such as low tire pressure or dirty filters. It can also motivate you to adopt efficient driving practices. If your vehicle does not automatically calculate your mpg, you can do so by writing down the mileage and gallons of gas purchased each time you refuel. Calculate the miles driven between each refueling and then calculate your mpg using this formula:

______ Miles per gallon = ________ Miles driven ÷ ______ Gallons of gas used

Use fuel efficient driving practices

The way that you drive can make a big difference in the amount of fuel that you consume and emissions you create. Use at least three of the following efficient driving practices to save fuel:

• Choose routes that have fewer lights and stop signs. Driving on highways is more fuel efficient.
• Avoid aggressive driving. The constant braking and accelerating can increase your fuel consumption by as much as 40%.
• Drive steadily and follow posted speed limits. Driving at 55 rather than 65 mph can reduce your fuel consumption by 10-15%.
• In a manual vehicle, get into top gear quickly without accelerating harder than necessary. In an automatic, ease off of the accelerator once you gain momentum.
• Reduce your use of air conditioning. Instead try flow-through ventilation or open your windows when driving at low speeds. Driving with windows open at high speeds can actually decrease your fuel efficiency due to increased wind resistance.
• Run errands in the least amount of trips possible. Keep a list of errands that need to be done and do them during your daily commute or during a single trip.
• Use cruise control on flat sections of road but not in hilly areas.
• Remove excess weight, bike racks, and trailers from your vehicle when possible.
• Try to avoid high-traffic times of the day when planning trips.

Click for more tips on fuel-efficient driving practices.

Refrain from idling your car

Allowing your car to idle for more than 10 seconds burns more fuel than stopping and restarting the car. Idling also releases toxic fumes like sulfur oxides, ground-level ozone, and nitrogen oxides which are detrimental to human health. Instead of allowing your car to idle or starting it early to warm it up, shut off your engine when going to a drive-through, waiting for a passenger, or waiting in line at the gas station. Learn more about the effects of idling.

Maintain proper tire pressure

Maintaining proper tire pressure makes your tires last longer and improves gas mileage, saving you gas and money. Most cars display a required tire pressure on the inside of the driver’s door, inside the glove compartment, under the center console cover, or in the owner’s manual. Tire pressure should be checked monthly or at least seasonally and before long trips. When you take your car in to a shop for any kind of maintenance, ask them to check your tire pressure. Most places will do it for free. Learn more about maintaining proper tire pressure.

Perform regular vehicle maintenance

Keeping vehicles properly maintained improves their gas mileage, saving you energy and money. Get an oil change approximately every 3 months or 3,000 miles, or as recommended for your vehicle. Other vehicle maintenance items may include air filter change, battery change, engine flush, tire rotation, and more. For maintenance information specific to your vehicle type, ask your local mechanic or use this car maintenance guide from Edmunds.com.