You don’t need a hybrid or high-tech gadget to drive more efficiently. In fact, most fuel-saving strategies come down to simple, consistent habits behind the wheel. Whether you’re trying to stretch your weekly gas budget or reduce trips to the pump, these 10 proven driving techniques will help improve your vehicle’s fuel economy—no major lifestyle change required.

1. Accelerate Smoothly
   Rapid acceleration burns more fuel than necessary. Gradually building speed allows your engine to operate efficiently and reduces strain on components. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, aggressive driving can lower your fuel economy by 15% to 30% on highways and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.
2. Use Cruise Control on Highways
   Maintaining a consistent speed helps reduce unnecessary acceleration and braking. Using cruise control on flat highways can boost fuel economy—especially during long-distance drives. Just be cautious when driving in hilly areas, where cruise control can cause inefficient surges.
3. Avoid Excessive Idling
   Letting your car idle wastes fuel. Modern engines are designed to be restarted frequently without damage or extra fuel use. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, it’s more fuel-efficient to turn off your engine. The EPA recommends this for both environmental and economic benefits.
4. Combine Errands into One Trip
   Cold engines consume more fuel. By grouping errands together, you reduce the number of cold starts and help your engine run at optimal efficiency for longer periods, saving both fuel and time.
5. Maintain a Steady Speed
   Frequent speed fluctuations—whether due to distractions or impatience—can reduce fuel efficiency. Anticipate traffic flow, keep a safe following distance, and ease off the accelerator early instead of braking hard at the last moment.
6. Don’t Speed
   Every vehicle reaches optimal fuel efficiency at a certain speed—typically between 45 and 60 mph. Fuel economy decreases rapidly above that threshold. According to fueleconomy.gov, each 5 mph driven over 60 mph is like paying an extra $0.15 per gallon.
7. Reduce Excess Weight
   Remove unnecessary cargo from your vehicle. For every extra 100 pounds, fuel efficiency can drop by about 1%. Lightening your load—especially in smaller cars—helps improve gas mileage and reduces wear on brakes and suspension.
8. Limit Roof Racks and Carriers
   Roof boxes and racks create aerodynamic drag, which increases fuel consumption—especially at highway speeds. If you don’t need them, take them off. The EPA SmartWay program recommends removing rooftop cargo boxes when not in use to save fuel.
9. Choose Routes with Less Stop-and-Go
   Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to find the most fuel-efficient routes. These often avoid traffic congestion and frequent stops, which increase fuel burn and engine wear.
10. Keep Your Car Maintained
    Even the best driving habits won’t help if your car is in poor condition. Regular oil changes, timely air filter replacements, and proper tire inflation all contribute to optimal fuel performance. Refer to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule or consult with a professional mechanic.

Final Thoughts

Fuel-saving isn’t just about where you buy gas—it’s about how you drive every day. By building these habits into your routine, you can improve fuel economy, reduce emissions, and keep more money in your wallet over time. Pair these tips with occasional use of cashback tools like Fluz when purchasing fuel gift cards to save even more.