Some fuel-wasting habits are obvious, such as aggressive acceleration. Others are so common that many drivers do them without realizing how much fuel they may be wasting over time.
The good news is that most of these habits are easy to change.
Here are 10 common driving habits that can increase fuel consumption every day.
1. Accelerating Too Aggressively
One of the easiest ways to waste fuel is to accelerate harder than necessary.
When you press the gas pedal aggressively, the engine needs more fuel to produce the additional power. Rapid acceleration followed by frequent braking can make the problem even worse.
This does not mean you have to drive extremely slowly. Instead, try accelerating smoothly and progressively, especially when leaving a stoplight or pulling away from a parking area.
A smooth driving style can help your engine operate more efficiently while also making the ride more comfortable.
2. Braking Hard and Frequently
Aggressive braking is often connected to aggressive acceleration.
For example, a driver may accelerate quickly after a traffic light, only to brake hard a few seconds later because traffic has slowed down.
The fuel has already been used to accelerate the vehicle, but much of that energy is then lost as heat through the braking system.
Looking farther ahead can help. If you see traffic slowing down, a red light, or a congested intersection ahead, gradually lifting off the accelerator can reduce unnecessary acceleration and braking.
3. Driving Too Fast on the Highway
Higher speeds generally require more energy because aerodynamic drag increases rapidly as speed increases.
This is why a vehicle can often use noticeably more fuel at highway speeds than it does at moderate speeds.
For example, maintaining a very high cruising speed may feel convenient when the road is open, but it can reduce fuel economy compared with driving at a moderate and steady speed.
The exact fuel-economy difference depends on the vehicle, road conditions, wind, tires, and other factors.
If fuel economy is your priority, maintaining a reasonable and consistent highway speed is usually more efficient than constantly driving at very high speeds.
4. Constantly Changing Speed
Frequent changes in speed can also hurt fuel economy.
Some drivers repeatedly accelerate, release the accelerator, accelerate again, and then brake. This is especially common in traffic that is moving but not completely stopped.
Instead of constantly chasing the car in front, try to maintain a steady pace when traffic conditions allow.
Adaptive cruise control can also help on some highways by maintaining a more consistent following distance and speed. However, drivers should still remain fully attentive and ready to take control.
5. Idling for Too Long
Leaving the engine running while the vehicle is parked consumes fuel even though the car is not moving.
Some drivers leave their engines running while waiting for someone, sitting outside a store, or taking a long break.
A few minutes may not seem significant, but repeated idling throughout the week can add up.
If you are going to be parked for an extended period and local conditions allow it, shutting the engine off can eliminate fuel consumption during that time.
Modern vehicles are generally designed to handle normal engine starts, so unnecessarily keeping the engine running is not always the fuel-saving strategy many drivers assume it is.
6. Carrying Unnecessary Weight
The heavier your vehicle is, the more energy it generally needs to accelerate.
That means carrying unnecessary items in your trunk or cargo area can contribute to higher fuel consumption.
A single item probably will not make a dramatic difference. The bigger issue is accumulated weight.
Take a look inside your vehicle. Old tools, boxes, sports equipment, spare materials, and other items that you rarely use may be adding unnecessary weight.
Removing them is a simple way to keep your vehicle lighter.
7. Ignoring Tire Pressure
Tire pressure is another factor that many drivers overlook.
Underinflated tires can increase rolling resistance, which means the engine may need to work harder to move the vehicle.
Tire pressure can also change with temperature, so checking it regularly is important.
The recommended tire pressure can usually be found on the driver's door-jamb label or in the owner's manual.
Do not simply use the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall as your target. That number is not necessarily the vehicle manufacturer's recommended operating pressure.
Proper tire pressure can also improve handling, tire wear, and overall driving safety.
8. Accelerating and Braking Constantly in Traffic
Stop-and-go traffic is difficult for fuel economy, but drivers can sometimes make it worse with their driving style.
Repeatedly closing the gap to the vehicle ahead, braking, and then accelerating again creates unnecessary energy losses.
When traffic is moving slowly, leaving a little more space ahead can give you more time to respond without immediately hitting the brakes.
You may be able to maintain a smoother pace instead of constantly alternating between the accelerator and brake pedals.
Of course, this does not mean leaving an unsafe gap or slowing down excessively. Always maintain a safe following distance appropriate for the traffic and road conditions.
9. Using the Wrong Gear or Driving Mode
Some vehicles have Eco, Normal, Sport, or other driving modes. Sport mode may make the throttle and transmission feel more responsive, but it can also encourage higher engine speeds and more aggressive acceleration.
For everyday commuting, an Eco or Normal setting may be more appropriate when fuel economy is the priority.
Drivers of manual-transmission vehicles should also avoid unnecessarily high engine speeds. Shifting at appropriate times can help the engine operate efficiently.
The ideal shift point varies depending on the vehicle, engine, load, road, and driving conditions.
10. Waiting Until the Last Second to Slow Down
Looking ahead is one of the simplest ways to improve fuel efficiency.
If you see a red traffic light, a stop sign, slowing traffic, or a curve ahead, there is often no reason to remain on the accelerator until the last possible moment.
Instead, you can gradually reduce acceleration and allow the vehicle to slow naturally when it is safe to do so.
This does not mean coasting in an unsafe manner or shifting into neutral unnecessarily. Modern vehicles can use different fuel-management strategies when the accelerator is released, depending on the engine and transmission.
The key idea is simple: avoid unnecessary acceleration when you already know you will need to slow down shortly afterward.
Small Changes Can Make a Difference
Fuel economy is not determined by the vehicle alone. Your driving habits, traffic conditions, road surface, weather, tire pressure, vehicle load, and maintenance can all influence how much gasoline your car uses.
The easiest place to start is with your driving style.
Accelerate smoothly. Avoid unnecessary hard braking. Maintain a reasonable speed. Keep your tires properly inflated. Remove unnecessary weight and avoid excessive idling.
You do not need to change everything overnight.
Even a few small improvements can make everyday driving smoother and potentially reduce how frequently you need to visit the gas station.
And perhaps the biggest benefit is that fuel-efficient driving often goes hand in hand with safer, more predictable driving.
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FAQ:
Does driving faster use more gas?
Yes. At higher speeds, aerodynamic drag increases, which generally requires more energy from the engine and can reduce fuel economy.
Does aggressive acceleration waste fuel?
Yes. Rapid acceleration generally requires more fuel than smooth, moderate acceleration.
Does idling waste gas?
Yes. An engine consumes fuel while idling even though the vehicle is not moving.
Can low tire pressure reduce fuel economy?
Yes. Underinflated tires can increase rolling resistance, which may cause the engine to use more fuel.
Does carrying extra weight affect gas mileage?
Yes. Additional weight can require more energy to accelerate the vehicle, although the effect depends on how much weight is added.