How To Make Your Gas Go Farther

In 2022, gasoline was one of the top three purchases that contributed to Commons members’ carbon footprints.

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No matter which car you have, knowing how to manage the environmental efficiency of your driving can save you money at the pump, reduce wear-and-tear, and cut your carbon footprint. As you drive on your next tank of gas, remember these quick tips.

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How to Increase Your Fuel-Efficiency

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Keep Your Tires Full

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Low tires make your car work harder and use more gas. Check and fill yours regularly to improve your fuel economy by about 3% (Source: JRC Science, 2016).

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Replace Your Air Filters

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Don’t skip simple maintenance. Replacing dirty air filters can make older, carbureted vehicles up to 6% more fuel-efficient (Source: JRC Science, 2016).

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Maintain a Steady Speed

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Cruise control isn’t just convenient – it saves gas, too! Maintain a steady speed as often as possible, paying attention to the road ahead to prevent sudden braking and bursts of acceleration.

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(Minimize Idling

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Running engines still use gas in idle, which means you get 0 MPG when you’re not moving. Plan ahead and avoid rush hour driving to reduce the amount of time you’re stuck in traffic.

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Drive below 60 MPH

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Your need for speed can cost more than a ticket – gas mileage starts to fall when you drive beyond 60 mph or 90 kph in most vehicles. Aggressive driving can slash fuel-efficiency by 33% (Source: US DOE, 2013).

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Reduce unecessary cargo

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Roof racks and cargo containers increase drag when your car drives down the road. Remove them when you're not using them, and store items in your trunk instead whenever possible.
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Drive Less, Save More

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The best way to cut emissions and fuel costs is to keep your car in the garage. Whenever possible, consider an eco-friendly alternative next time you reach for the keys.

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Read our guide to driving alternatives →