With gas prices fluctuating daily, drivers need to get the most out of every tank. And with simple fuel-saving tips, tricks and maintenance checks, you can learn to stretch your fill-up to the fullest.
1. Ditch The Clunker
Fuel efficiency has improved as new, more efficient vehicles have been designed over recent years. Choosing a newer, more fuel-efficient vehicle can save you thousands in the long run, both in dollars and minutes spent at the pump.
2. Save With Safety
Making small safety changes to your daily driving habits adds up in your tank, your wallet and your well-being. Fast acceleration and hard braking lower gas mileage by up to 33% on the highway and 5% in a city, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Keep a lid on aggressive driving and travel with zen-fueled efficiency.
3. Drop The Excess Weight
Rooftop cargo containers are a great help on family trips. But these space-savers create wind resistance, which makes your car work harder and burn up to 17% more fuel on the highway. Excess weight in the trunk also sucks up fuel unnecessarily at a rate of 1% for every 100 pounds. Leave empty or unused cargo containers at home and clear out clutter for a smoother ride and steeper savings.
4. Minimize Winter Driving
Did you know your car is less fuel-efficient in cold weather? Warming a car takes a lot of gas and can drain your tank before you even hit the road. Most manufacturers recommend warming your car for just 30 seconds and driving off slowly rather than long, idling warm-ups. Try parking your car in a garage to keep the engine warmer and combine trips and errands in the colder months.
5. Maintenance: Pay Now, Save Later
Staying up to date on regular vehicle maintenance keeps your car more fuel-efficient. Regular oil and filter changes keep cars running in the fuel-efficient zone. Tires that are properly inflated reduce drag and won’t have your engine working overtime, increasing your gas mileage and lowering carbon emissions.
Fill-ups got you fed up? With the Gas Finder feature on the GEICO Mobile app, you can locate gas stations near you and compare real-time prices to find the best deal. Download GEICO Mobile today and start saving!
By Katherine Palbom
John F.Luca says,
The simple things that person working in the family gas station owners are not aware of….I had experience as a younger person with on hands experience..This is not with today’s younger people..
J. Gourdine says,
Just another way Geico help you save money and valuable time. Thanks
David Builes says,
As I noticed, many people drives with the left foot on the brake pedal, causing friction in the brake pads and the brake rotor, or in other words, with the bakes applied just a bit, making the engine run with a little more effort and using more gas; but the worse is the caliper damage for the heat, and the pads and caliper early replacement for the constant usage.
Betty says,
Proper tire inflation makes for smoother driving and is more fuel efficient
Catherine L Stokes says,
On the 5 ways to get better has mileage I would add a couple more that I have found really do help especially on longer trips, outside the stop & go of the city.
#6 Use your cruise control so as to maintain a steady speed rather than the up & down speed due to the up & down of the gas pedal.
#7 Driving long distance with Windows down in a car can cause air flow friction also using more gas, so I found using the A.C. or even fresh if cool outside has saved me on gas. I drove from Upstate NY to 20 min NW of Houston, TX.
Thank you for posting these tips because they are very helpful! I look forward to reading them each time
I love my GEICO!
Lilian Drury says,
Thank you for sending this wonderful information, would like to receive it every so often. Thanks again
Javier Solis says,
Tanks gaico. For this information
LORINNE TALLBERG says,
I totally agree to keep your vehicle maintenance schedule, just like when it was under warranty. I formally worked in a roadside assistance call center, so I learned how the worst thing is to wait for mechanical breakdown, it’s always the worst timing. It makes the most sense to get checkups and tune ups before a problem presents. My vehicle is 11 years old and has never left me stuck on the road, because I keep the maintenance schedule and use a trusted auto shop every time. and once a month I give my vehicle high grade fuel, just to keep the fuel system clean.
luigj metushaj says,
its helpful,i wont to say to kip the windows close its save on gas too
Debbie Nelson says,
I appreciate receiving these little mailers. It keeps me in the know when it comes to taking care of my vehicle. I have been with Geico for 20+ years and they have yet to disappoint. I may not have 1 person to deal with, but everyone I’ve talked with are very knowledgeable. They take care of me in a timely manner. All of these, along with great rates are the reason I am, and will, continue to stay. Thank you for taking care of me!
Vholland says,
Good advise to follow…some people just don’t take time or effort. I keep cars for long time ..like 16 year thesend reminders help.thanks
Frank Arce says,
It’s great to know all these tips given,
Practice makes perfect
I’m to follow advise
Marvalyn says,
Thanks very informative!
Masayo Hanyuda says,
I do appreciate all these tips to keep car in a good condition. I’ll put a note on the car sun viser to remind myself what I have to do in every seasons. I do take a good care of my car and thank my car to take me everywhere without complain but also everything comes to maintenance. Our own body needs a meintenance in order to keep our body healthy and just as our own car. If we just use and abuse it, end up in pay for it.
I think this type of information is must for everyone, especially for women. Thank you for the good input. Please keep up the good work.
luigj metushaj says,
you explain it on perfect way
Narender Balaguru says,
Thanks for these simple tips. But u advised that we should warm the car for 30 sec then drive. But as per the car manual it says drive the car at 20 speed till the needle raises is good for the car and tha mileage who is right