How to Save Money on Gas
Fuel is one of the biggest costs of owning a car, but driving habits and simple maintenance can cut it noticeably. Here's how to drive more efficiently, keep your car in shape, find cheaper gas, and use rewards to save at the pump.
By Pond.com editors Updated 2 min read
Quick answer
- Drive smoothly, since fast acceleration and hard braking waste fuel.
- Slow down on the highway; gas mileage usually drops quickly above about 50 mph.
- Keep tires inflated to the pressure on the driver's door sticker.
- Remove roof racks and extra weight, and avoid long idling.
- Use gas price apps, store rewards and a gas rewards card you pay in full.
Gas prices go up and down, but how much fuel you use is partly up to you. Small changes in how you drive and look after your car can add up to real savings over a year.
Drive more efficiently
- Accelerate gently and avoid hard braking. Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage significantly, especially on the highway.
- Slow down. Fuel economy usually drops quickly above about 50 mph.
- Use cruise control on flat highways to hold a steady speed.
- Look ahead and coast toward red lights and slowdowns.
- Avoid idling when you're parked or waiting.
- Combine errands into one trip; a warm engine is more efficient.
Keep your car in shape
- Check tire pressure monthly and inflate to the pressure on the sticker inside the driver's door, not the number on the tire.
- Follow the maintenance schedule, including oil changes with the recommended grade of oil. See our car maintenance schedule.
- Replace a dirty air filter on older cars.
- Fix problems, such as a check-engine light, which can signal issues that hurt mileage.
Reduce drag and weight
- Remove roof racks and cargo boxes when you're not using them.
- Clear out heavy items you don't need in the trunk.
Pay less at the pump
- Use gas price apps to find cheaper stations nearby.
- Join grocery and warehouse store programs that discount fuel.
- Use a gas rewards credit card or station loyalty program, paid in full every month. See credit card rewards: cash back vs points.
- Pay cash at stations that charge more for cards.
- Use regular gas unless your owner's manual requires premium.
Drive less
- Walk, bike or use transit for short trips when you can.
- Carpool to work or school.
- Work from home some days if your job allows.
Thinking about your next car?
If fuel is a big expense, compare fuel economy carefully when you buy, and consider a hybrid or electric car. See electric, hybrid or gas car? and hybrid vs plug-in hybrid.
Common questions
Only if your car requires it. If your owner's manual says regular is fine, premium usually doesn't improve fuel economy or performance. If premium is required, use it to avoid engine problems.
At low, city speeds, open windows usually use less fuel. At highway speeds, the drag from open windows can make the AC more efficient. Either way, the difference is relatively small compared with driving habits.
Yes. Idling burns fuel while you go nowhere. If you'll be stopped for more than a short time, outside of traffic, turning off the engine usually saves fuel. Many newer cars do this automatically.