Hypermiling 101: 15 Ways to Squeeze More Miles From Every Gallon

“Hypermiling” sounds like something for gearheads, but it really just means driving and caring for your car in ways that use less gas. You don’t need a hybrid or special equipment. A few simple habits can noticeably stretch each tank, and the savings keep coming every week. Here are 15 ways to get more miles from every gallon, starting with the easiest.

Safety first: Never try extreme tricks like drafting behind trucks, coasting with the engine off, or rolling through stops. No amount of gas savings is worth a crash or a ticket.

Driving habits

1. Go easy on the gas pedal

Fast starts and hard acceleration burn fuel. Speed up gradually, like there’s an egg under your foot.

2. Look ahead and coast

If you see a red light or slow traffic ahead, ease off the gas early and let the car coast rather than speeding up and braking hard. Smooth driving saves gas and wear on your brakes.

3. Slow down on the highway

Most cars become less efficient at higher speeds because of wind resistance. Driving a bit slower on the highway can make a real difference over a long trip. FuelEconomy.gov has more on how speed affects mileage.

4. Use cruise control on flat highways

It helps keep your speed steady. On hilly roads, it can sometimes waste gas by accelerating hard uphill, so use your judgment.

5. Don’t idle

Idling gets zero miles per gallon. If you’ll be parked for more than a short wait and it’s safe to do so, turn off the engine. Modern cars generally don’t need long warm-ups.

6. Combine trips

A warm engine is more efficient than a cold one. Plan errands so you do them in one loop instead of several separate trips.

7. Avoid rush hour when you can

Stop-and-go traffic burns fuel. If your schedule is flexible, run errands at quieter times.

Car care and maintenance

8. Keep your tires properly inflated

Underinflated tires create more drag and use more fuel. Check the pressure monthly when tires are cold. Use the number on the sticker inside your driver’s door, not the maximum number on the tire itself. Many gas stations have free or cheap air pumps.

9. Stay on top of basic maintenance

Follow your owner’s manual for oil changes, air filters and spark plugs. A well-maintained engine tends to run more efficiently.

10. Use the right motor oil

Use the grade of oil your owner’s manual recommends. The wrong one can slightly reduce efficiency.

11. Get that check-engine light looked at

Some problems, like a faulty oxygen sensor, can hurt your gas mileage significantly. Many auto parts stores will read the code for free.

12. Don’t buy premium gas unless you need it

If your owner’s manual says regular is fine, premium usually won’t improve your mileage. Only buy it if your car requires it.

Weight and drag

13. Clear out the trunk

Extra weight makes the engine work harder. Take out heavy things you don’t need to carry around every day.

14. Remove roof racks and cargo boxes when not in use

Anything on the roof creates wind drag and can lower highway mileage.

15. Use A/C and windows wisely

At lower speeds around town, opening windows may be more efficient. At highway speeds, open windows create drag, so A/C may make more sense. Either way, parking in the shade and not blasting the A/C at full can help.

Track your progress

The best way to see if it’s working is to measure. Each time you fill up, write down the miles on your trip odometer and the gallons you pumped. Divide miles by gallons to get your miles per gallon. Many cars also show average mpg on the dashboard. Track for a few weeks before and after changing your habits, and you’ll see what actually helps in your car.

Small changes, real savings

You don’t have to do all 15 at once. Pick two or three that are easy for you and turn them into habits. Pair these with a gas price app to find cheaper fill-ups, and you’ll be saving on both ends.