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How to Improve Gas Mileage
Six tips you should know for better gas mileage
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April 21, 2025
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0 min. read
Gas prices can change fast—sometimes even daily. And when prices are high, those quick stops at the gas station can add up fast. Whether you're commuting daily or planning a road trip, improving your gas mileage can be a smart way to save. Here are six practical ways to get the most out of every tank.
Table Of Contents
What is gas mileage, and what is considered good?
Gas mileage is the measurement of how far a vehicle can travel on one gallon of gas—measured in miles per gallon (mpg). The higher the mpg, the further you can drive before refueling. As you increase efficiency, you experience better fuel economy.
“Good” gas mileage is determined by several factors:
Vehicle type
Fuel type
Driving habits
Driving location
Hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) have the best overall fuel economy ratings. For example, the Toyota Prius earns an impressive rating of
54 mpg combined
*. This value is an average of its 51 mpg city and 58 mpg highway ratings measured under ideal conditions.
You can look up the manufacturer’s rating in the car’s owner’s manual or use a
gas mileage calculator
. Many newer vehicles automatically keep track of your gas mileage or have the option to store mileage data. Not happy with your current fuel economy? Consider the following six tips to help improve it.
1. Keep your tires properly inflated
Tire pressure
—measured in pounds per square inch (PSI)—can affect fuel efficiency, handling, and how long your tires last. You can usually find your vehicle's recommended PSI on a sticker inside the driver's door or in the owner’s manual. Underinflated tires create drag, which means your engine works harder and uses more fuel.
2. Use cruise control for highway driving
Cruise control can keep your vehicle at a steady speed, which is good for fuel efficiency. According to an article on
MyCarVoice
, cruise control can help improve fuel efficiency—especially on highways—by maintaining a consistent speed and reducing unnecessary acceleration and braking. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that using cruise control can improve fuel economy by an average of 7% and up to 14% in ideal conditions*.
Cruise control is most effective when driving flat, traffic-free road conditions. In hilly areas or in stop-and-go traffic your vehicle’s attempt to keep your speed constant can cause frequent acceleration and deceleration, using more fuel. Some vehicles now also have adaptive cruise control as part of their
safety features
, which changes your speed based on how close you are to the vehicle in front of you.
3. Replace your air filter regularly
When your air filter is dirty, it restricts airflow, making the engine work harder and ultimately consume more fuel. Your owner’s manual will recommend how often to replace your air filter.
On average, change your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles—or more often if you regularly drive in highly polluted or dusty areas.
4. Avoid excessive idling
It’s often tempting to leave your car idling briefly while you run inside to grab something you forgot, but
idling for more than 10 seconds
uses more fuel and emits more emissions than turning off your car and restarting it.
This habit is a significant fuel waster. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy in their
Clean Cities
initiative, an idling car can waste up to
half a gallon of gas per hour
and can release up to twenty pounds of carbon dioxide per gallon of fuel burned. When added up over a year, idling in traffic, in drive through lines, in the school pickup lane, and more could be costing you hundreds of dollars in lost fuel.
5. Stay up to date on oil changes
Regular
oil changes
help keep your engine lubricated—reducing friction and allowing your vehicle to use less fuel to produce the same power.
The time—or miles driven—between oil changes can vary based on engine size, type of oil, the age of the vehicle, and other factors. You can find the manufacturer’s recommendations in your owner’s manual. If you take your vehicle to an auto shop, they’ll typically provide a sticker or note indicating the date or mileage for your next oil change.
6. Lighten your load
Extra weight forces your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. For every additional 100 pounds, your fuel consumption can increase by up to 2%. Remove unnecessary weight like an unused roof rack, extra seats, sports equipment, or heavy items from your trunk.
Be prepared with the right insurance
Unexpected car troubles happen, even with careful maintenance. Be prepared with
cheap car insurance
. If you're already focused on saving at the pump, explore insurance options that offer flexibility and value.
Contact our team
for a free quote, and be sure to
ask about insurance discounts
to help cut your vehicle-related costs even further.
Protect your vehicle and your wallet with custom car insurance coverages.
Resource Center
Vehicle maintenance goes beyond just a seasonal tune-up—it's a commitment to your car's safety, reliability, and efficiency. Learn more as we detail the benefits of regular service.
Cold weather can make starting your car more of a chore than it should be. We’ll walk you through some common reasons a car might not start in the cold, how to get it going again, and how to make sure it’ll start next time.
Car dashboard symbols can alert you to important safety and maintenance concerns. Learn to identify the lights, the causes, and the urgency of next steps. |
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1. [Home](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/)
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3. How to Improve Gas Mileage
# Six tips you should know for better gas mileage
Get insured
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by [Ethan Vaade]("View details")
Assistant Vice President—Personal Lines Pricing & Analytics
*April 21, 2025\|0 min. read*
[Share](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/how-improve-gas-mileage)
Gas prices can change fast—sometimes even daily. And when prices are high, those quick stops at the gas station can add up fast. Whether you're commuting daily or planning a road trip, improving your gas mileage can be a smart way to save. Here are six practical ways to get the most out of every tank.
Table Of Contents
[What is gas mileage, and what is considered good?](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/how-improve-gas-mileage#WhatIsGM)[1\. Keep your tires properly inflated](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/how-improve-gas-mileage#TiresInflated)[2\. Use cruise control for highway driving](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/how-improve-gas-mileage#CruiseControl)[3\. Replace your air filter regularly](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/how-improve-gas-mileage#AirFilter)
[4\. Avoid excessive idling](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/how-improve-gas-mileage#Idling)[5\. Stay up to date on oil changes](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/how-improve-gas-mileage#OilChanges)[6\. Lighten your load](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/how-improve-gas-mileage#LighterLoad)[Be prepared with the right insurance](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/how-improve-gas-mileage#Insurance)
## What is gas mileage, and what is considered good?
Gas mileage is the measurement of how far a vehicle can travel on one gallon of gas—measured in miles per gallon (mpg). The higher the mpg, the further you can drive before refueling. As you increase efficiency, you experience better fuel economy.
“Good” gas mileage is determined by several factors:
- Vehicle type
- Fuel type
- Driving habits
- Driving location
Hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) have the best overall fuel economy ratings. For example, the Toyota Prius earns an impressive rating of [54 mpg combined](https://www.motortrend.com/features/best-gas-mileage-hybrids/)\*. This value is an average of its 51 mpg city and 58 mpg highway ratings measured under ideal conditions.
You can look up the manufacturer’s rating in the car’s owner’s manual or use a [gas mileage calculator](https://www.calculator.net/gas-mileage-calculator.html). Many newer vehicles automatically keep track of your gas mileage or have the option to store mileage data. Not happy with your current fuel economy? Consider the following six tips to help improve it.
## 1\. Keep your tires properly inflated
[Tire pressure](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/how-to-change-a-flat-tire)—measured in pounds per square inch (PSI)—can affect fuel efficiency, handling, and how long your tires last. You can usually find your vehicle's recommended PSI on a sticker inside the driver's door or in the owner’s manual. Underinflated tires create drag, which means your engine works harder and uses more fuel.
## 2\. Use cruise control for highway driving
Cruise control can keep your vehicle at a steady speed, which is good for fuel efficiency. According to an article on [MyCarVoice](https://mycarvoice.com/news/does-cruise-control-save-gas/), cruise control can help improve fuel efficiency—especially on highways—by maintaining a consistent speed and reducing unnecessary acceleration and braking. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that using cruise control can improve fuel economy by an average of 7% and up to 14% in ideal conditions\*.
Cruise control is most effective when driving flat, traffic-free road conditions. In hilly areas or in stop-and-go traffic your vehicle’s attempt to keep your speed constant can cause frequent acceleration and deceleration, using more fuel. Some vehicles now also have adaptive cruise control as part of their [safety features](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/car-safety-features-guide), which changes your speed based on how close you are to the vehicle in front of you.
## 3\. Replace your air filter regularly
When your air filter is dirty, it restricts airflow, making the engine work harder and ultimately consume more fuel. Your owner’s manual will recommend how often to replace your air filter.
On average, change your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles—or more often if you regularly drive in highly polluted or dusty areas.
## 4\. Avoid excessive idling
It’s often tempting to leave your car idling briefly while you run inside to grab something you forgot, but [idling for more than 10 seconds](https://afdc.energy.gov/files/u/publication/idling_personal_vehicles.pdf?78b851644c) uses more fuel and emits more emissions than turning off your car and restarting it.
This habit is a significant fuel waster. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy in their [Clean Cities](https://cleancities.energy.gov/) initiative, an idling car can waste up to [half a gallon of gas per hour](https://cleancities.energy.gov/files/pdfs/idlebox_tip_sheet.pdf) and can release up to twenty pounds of carbon dioxide per gallon of fuel burned. When added up over a year, idling in traffic, in drive through lines, in the school pickup lane, and more could be costing you hundreds of dollars in lost fuel.
## 5\. Stay up to date on oil changes
Regular [oil changes](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/how-to-put-oil-in-car) help keep your engine lubricated—reducing friction and allowing your vehicle to use less fuel to produce the same power.
The time—or miles driven—between oil changes can vary based on engine size, type of oil, the age of the vehicle, and other factors. You can find the manufacturer’s recommendations in your owner’s manual. If you take your vehicle to an auto shop, they’ll typically provide a sticker or note indicating the date or mileage for your next oil change.
## 6\. Lighten your load
Extra weight forces your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. For every additional 100 pounds, your fuel consumption can increase by up to 2%. Remove unnecessary weight like an unused roof rack, extra seats, sports equipment, or heavy items from your trunk.
## Be prepared with the right insurance
Unexpected car troubles happen, even with careful maintenance. Be prepared with [cheap car insurance](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/auto/cheap-car-insurance). If you're already focused on saving at the pump, explore insurance options that offer flexibility and value.
[Contact our team](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/contact) for a free quote, and be sure to [ask about insurance discounts](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/auto/car-insurance-discounts) to help cut your vehicle-related costs even further.
Protect your vehicle and your wallet with custom car insurance coverages.
[Reach out for a free quote.](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/how-improve-gas-mileage)
Resource Center
[Why regular vehicle maintenance matters](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/benefits-of-regular-car-maintenance)
Vehicle maintenance goes beyond just a seasonal tune-up—it's a commitment to your car's safety, reliability, and efficiency. Learn more as we detail the benefits of regular service.
[Car not starting in cold weather? Here’s why—and how to fix it](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/car-wont-start-in-cold)
Cold weather can make starting your car more of a chore than it should be. We’ll walk you through some common reasons a car might not start in the cold, how to get it going again, and how to make sure it’ll start next time.
[How to identify car dashboard symbols](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/fluid-leaks-and-dashboard-warning-lights)
Car dashboard symbols can alert you to important safety and maintenance concerns. Learn to identify the lights, the causes, and the urgency of next steps.
The general information in this blog is for informational or entertainment purposes only. View our [blog disclaimer](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/terms-and-conditions#blogDisclaimer).
\*Data accuracy is subject to this article's publication date.
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3. How to Improve Gas Mileage
Six tips you should know for better gas mileage
Get insured
*April 21, 2025\|0 min. read*
Gas prices can change fast—sometimes even daily. And when prices are high, those quick stops at the gas station can add up fast. Whether you're commuting daily or planning a road trip, improving your gas mileage can be a smart way to save. Here are six practical ways to get the most out of every tank.
Table Of Contents
## What is gas mileage, and what is considered good?
Gas mileage is the measurement of how far a vehicle can travel on one gallon of gas—measured in miles per gallon (mpg). The higher the mpg, the further you can drive before refueling. As you increase efficiency, you experience better fuel economy.
“Good” gas mileage is determined by several factors:
- Vehicle type
- Fuel type
- Driving habits
- Driving location
Hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) have the best overall fuel economy ratings. For example, the Toyota Prius earns an impressive rating of [54 mpg combined](https://www.motortrend.com/features/best-gas-mileage-hybrids/)\*. This value is an average of its 51 mpg city and 58 mpg highway ratings measured under ideal conditions.
You can look up the manufacturer’s rating in the car’s owner’s manual or use a [gas mileage calculator](https://www.calculator.net/gas-mileage-calculator.html). Many newer vehicles automatically keep track of your gas mileage or have the option to store mileage data. Not happy with your current fuel economy? Consider the following six tips to help improve it.
## 1\. Keep your tires properly inflated
[Tire pressure](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/how-to-change-a-flat-tire)—measured in pounds per square inch (PSI)—can affect fuel efficiency, handling, and how long your tires last. You can usually find your vehicle's recommended PSI on a sticker inside the driver's door or in the owner’s manual. Underinflated tires create drag, which means your engine works harder and uses more fuel.
## 2\. Use cruise control for highway driving
Cruise control can keep your vehicle at a steady speed, which is good for fuel efficiency. According to an article on [MyCarVoice](https://mycarvoice.com/news/does-cruise-control-save-gas/), cruise control can help improve fuel efficiency—especially on highways—by maintaining a consistent speed and reducing unnecessary acceleration and braking. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that using cruise control can improve fuel economy by an average of 7% and up to 14% in ideal conditions\*.
Cruise control is most effective when driving flat, traffic-free road conditions. In hilly areas or in stop-and-go traffic your vehicle’s attempt to keep your speed constant can cause frequent acceleration and deceleration, using more fuel. Some vehicles now also have adaptive cruise control as part of their [safety features](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/car-safety-features-guide), which changes your speed based on how close you are to the vehicle in front of you.
## 3\. Replace your air filter regularly
When your air filter is dirty, it restricts airflow, making the engine work harder and ultimately consume more fuel. Your owner’s manual will recommend how often to replace your air filter.
On average, change your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles—or more often if you regularly drive in highly polluted or dusty areas.
## 4\. Avoid excessive idling
It’s often tempting to leave your car idling briefly while you run inside to grab something you forgot, but [idling for more than 10 seconds](https://afdc.energy.gov/files/u/publication/idling_personal_vehicles.pdf?78b851644c) uses more fuel and emits more emissions than turning off your car and restarting it.
This habit is a significant fuel waster. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy in their [Clean Cities](https://cleancities.energy.gov/) initiative, an idling car can waste up to [half a gallon of gas per hour](https://cleancities.energy.gov/files/pdfs/idlebox_tip_sheet.pdf) and can release up to twenty pounds of carbon dioxide per gallon of fuel burned. When added up over a year, idling in traffic, in drive through lines, in the school pickup lane, and more could be costing you hundreds of dollars in lost fuel.
## 5\. Stay up to date on oil changes
Regular [oil changes](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/how-to-put-oil-in-car) help keep your engine lubricated—reducing friction and allowing your vehicle to use less fuel to produce the same power.
The time—or miles driven—between oil changes can vary based on engine size, type of oil, the age of the vehicle, and other factors. You can find the manufacturer’s recommendations in your owner’s manual. If you take your vehicle to an auto shop, they’ll typically provide a sticker or note indicating the date or mileage for your next oil change.
## 6\. Lighten your load
Extra weight forces your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. For every additional 100 pounds, your fuel consumption can increase by up to 2%. Remove unnecessary weight like an unused roof rack, extra seats, sports equipment, or heavy items from your trunk.
## Be prepared with the right insurance
Unexpected car troubles happen, even with careful maintenance. Be prepared with [cheap car insurance](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/auto/cheap-car-insurance). If you're already focused on saving at the pump, explore insurance options that offer flexibility and value.
[Contact our team](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/contact) for a free quote, and be sure to [ask about insurance discounts](https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/auto/car-insurance-discounts) to help cut your vehicle-related costs even further.
Protect your vehicle and your wallet with custom car insurance coverages.
Resource Center
Vehicle maintenance goes beyond just a seasonal tune-up—it's a commitment to your car's safety, reliability, and efficiency. Learn more as we detail the benefits of regular service.
Cold weather can make starting your car more of a chore than it should be. We’ll walk you through some common reasons a car might not start in the cold, how to get it going again, and how to make sure it’ll start next time.
Car dashboard symbols can alert you to important safety and maintenance concerns. Learn to identify the lights, the causes, and the urgency of next steps. |
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