Throughout my years working on cars, I’ve seen some seriously beat-down vehicles. While many people pride themselves on taking care of their cars, they may not realize their day-to-day habits are killing their fuel efficiency… and fast. With the average price of gas nationwide being over $3 per gallon, nobody can really afford to waste fuel. If you’d like to know if your driving habits are eating up your car’s gas, read on and avoid these nine habits.
1. Aggressive Acceleration and Hard Braking
We’ve all felt the rush of flooring the pedal from a stop, but when you do, your fuel efficiency takes a hit. Every time you aggressively accelerate, the engine burns more fuel than a smooth rollout requires. Hard braking wastes that same fuel since you’re constantly stopping and restarting momentum. Studies show that aggressive driving lowers fuel efficiency by up to 30% on highways and 40% in city driving.
If you want to save gas, it’s best to ease into acceleration and anticipate stops before hitting the brakes. Your wallet (and fuel efficiency) will thank you later.
2. Driving at High Speeds on the Highway
Speeding might feel efficient time-wise, but it’s terrible for fuel efficiency. Once you exceed about 60 mph, wind resistance increases exponentially, forcing the engine to burn more fuel just to maintain speed. Dropping your speed from 75 to 65 mph can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 15%.
So, what is a driver to do? Well, most modern vehicles have cruise control, which can help you keep a steady pace. It will help decrease the speed fluctutations that can waste fuel. Just slowing down a little can add miles to how far your tank of gas can take you.
3. Idling for Too Long
Leaving your vehicle running while parked feels harmless, but it’s a quiet fuel efficiency killer. A car idling gets zero miles per gallon because it’s burning fuel without moving an inch. Modern engines are designed for quick restarts, so shutting them off during longer stops saves gas. Idling for more than 10 seconds burns more fuel than restarting the engine.
Any time you are waiting in your car (even at a long stop), you might consider turning off your car. In many newer vehicles, there is a start-stop option that will shut off your engine when you’ve been stationary for too long. This can help you preserve your fuel efficiency.
4. Under-Inflated Tires and Bad Alignment
Tire care directly impacts fuel efficiency, and many drivers overlook it. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, making the engine work harder to move the car. Poor alignment also increases drag, further reducing fuel efficiency and causing uneven tire wear.
It is recommended to check your tire pressure monthly and align your wheels at least once a year. These small maintenance habits keep your ride smooth, safe, and fuel-efficient.
5. Carrying Unnecessary Weight or Roof Accessories
Every extra pound in your car drags down fuel efficiency. Roof boxes, bike racks, and trunk clutter all force the engine to use more fuel to carry the load. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, every 100 pounds of extra weight can cut fuel efficiency by 1%. On highways, roof racks or open windows add aerodynamic drag that worsens mileage.
Take the time to lighten your load and remove any unused accessories. It will help keep your gas costs lower.
6. Ignoring Maintenance or Using the Wrong Motor Oil
Neglecting oil changes or skipping tune-ups quietly sabotages fuel efficiency. Old spark plugs, dirty air filters, or incorrect oil viscosity make your engine work harder. A clogged air filter alone can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 10%.
It’s a good idea to use the manufacturer-recommended motor oil to minimize friction and ensure smoother engine operation. Ultimately, regular maintenance will do you a world of good. It protects your engine and helps you get every last mile out of your tank of gas.
7. Frequent Short Trips and Cold Starts
Short drives hurt fuel efficiency because cold engines burn fuel inefficiently. It takes several minutes for the engine to reach optimal temperature and balance the fuel-to-air ratio. Multiple cold starts throughout the day mean you’re constantly operating below peak efficiency.
Try combining errands into one longer trip to reduce warm-up losses. This simple habit keeps your fuel efficiency higher and your fuel stops fewer.
8. Driving With Windows Down at High Speeds
Fresh air is great until it kills your fuel efficiency. Open windows or a sunroof at highway speeds create drag that forces the engine to use more power. In some cases, this can cut fuel efficiency more than running the air conditioner.
If you are just cruising around the city, open windows are fine, but close them once you’re on the highway. Less drag means smoother motion and better mileage.
9. Skipping Cruise Control on Flat Roads
Many drivers underestimate how much steady speed affects fuel efficiency. Constant speeding up and slowing down burns more fuel than a consistent pace. Cruise control helps maintain optimal engine output, especially on long, flat highways. It prevents unnecessary throttle changes that waste gas and create wear.
As mentioned above, switching on cruise control where appropriate can improve fuel efficiency. Not to mention, it can make driving more relaxing.
Small Changes, Big Savings at the Pump
Improving your fuel efficiency doesn’t require a mechanic; it starts with awareness. Every gentle acceleration, tire check, and removed roof rack adds up to real money saved over time. The more mindful you are of these everyday habits, the less often you’ll find yourself fueling up. Protecting your wallet and your car’s longevity starts with small, smart adjustments that make every mile count.
Which of these fuel-wasting habits are you guilty of? Share your experiences and your best fuel-saving tips in the comments below!
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The post 9 Car Habits That Kill Fuel Efficiency Quickly appeared first on Clever Dude Personal Finance & Money.
