Gas prices may rise and fall, but your daily driving habits often make a bigger difference than you think. According to AAA, simple changes in maintenance and behavior can improve fuel economy by 10%–20%, no matter what vehicle you drive. From how you inflate your tires to what you carry on your roof, every detail affects how much gas you burn. The best part? Most fixes take less than 10 minutes and cost little to nothing. Here’s what AAA says about squeezing more miles—and dollars—out of every tank.
Keep Tires Properly Inflated—Every Week, Not Just Monthly
Underinflated tires create extra rolling resistance, which forces your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. AAA estimates that keeping tires inflated to manufacturer specifications can boost fuel economy. Check pressure weekly, especially during seasonal temperature swings. Use a digital gauge for accuracy, and don’t forget the spare. Well-inflated tires not only save fuel but also extend tire life and improve safety.
Lighten the Load—Every Extra 100 Pounds Costs You
The heavier your vehicle, the more energy it needs to accelerate. AAA notes that carrying unnecessary items—like sports gear, tools, or heavy trunk clutter—can reduce mileage by 1%–2% per 100 pounds. Go through your trunk monthly and remove what you don’t need for daily driving. Lightweight cars benefit even more from decluttering since weight impacts smaller engines proportionally more. Your car (and wallet) will thank you for traveling light.
Lose the Roof Rack When You’re Not Using It
A roof rack or cargo box might look convenient, but it adds wind resistance that drags fuel economy down—especially on highways. AAA reports that removing them when not in use can improve mileage by as much as 8%. Even empty racks disrupt airflow and force the engine to work harder. Store them until your next trip, and your gas tank will stretch noticeably farther. Aerodynamics matter more than most drivers realize.
Avoid Idling Longer Than 30 Seconds
Contrary to old myths, modern engines don’t need long warm-ups. AAA advises shutting off your engine if you’ll be parked for more than 30 seconds (except in traffic). Idling burns roughly a quarter to a half-gallon of fuel per hour and produces unnecessary emissions. Restarting uses less gas than you waste sitting still. Whether you’re waiting for someone or parked with the AC on, turning off the ignition saves fuel—and helps the planet.
Ease Off the Accelerator and Use Cruise Control Strategically
Rapid acceleration and sudden braking can lower gas mileage by up to 40% in stop-and-go traffic. AAA recommends steady, moderate driving and using cruise control on flat highways when safe. It maintains consistent speed, which optimizes fuel efficiency. On hills, though, disable cruise to prevent unnecessary downshifting. Smooth driving habits are free and effective—saving you up to 10 cents per mile depending on conditions.
Plan Routes to Avoid Congestion and Combine Errands
Frequent short trips with cold starts burn far more fuel than one longer trip. AAA suggests combining errands into a single route and avoiding peak traffic hours when possible. Use navigation apps with live traffic updates to save time and reduce idle time. Every stop-and-start cycle adds wasted fuel to your total consumption. Efficient planning saves gas, frustration, and wear on your vehicle.
Keep Up With Regular Maintenance and Oil Changes
Neglecting maintenance—like air-filter replacements or oil changes—can quietly sabotage your fuel economy. A clogged filter chokes airflow, while old oil increases friction inside your engine. AAA recommends following the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual, not just waiting for dashboard lights. A tune-up may seem minor, but it keeps your car operating efficiently and extends its lifespan.
Why AAA Says Small Changes Add Up to Big Savings
You don’t need hybrid technology or premium fuel to drive smarter—you just need consistency. Following AAA’s basic recommendations helps the average driver save hundreds of dollars per year without changing vehicles. Little tweaks—like checking tire pressure, removing drag, and shutting off idling—compound over time. With gas prices unpredictable, these are habits that always pay off.
Which of these AAA fuel-saving tips do you already follow—and which one are you planning to start this week? Share below!
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Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.
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