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
CRIS RUIZ says,
Ditch the clunker?
This means buy a newer model and usually finance the vehicle. All finance companies require Full Insurance coverage with them as co-payee.
This means more money out of the customers pocket, and far more beneficial for your insurance carrier.
I think one can save money and fuel by not ditching the clunker but rather, keep a minimum of insurance coverage, minimize weight in the vehicle, keep it tuned and well lubed and oil changed regularly. Save tons of money on the monstrous car payments on a reducing value collateral and also on humungous insurance premiums.
David B. McAndrews says,
I was wondering if you can save me money on my home owners insurance, and maybe some on my car. I am just wondering. David B. McAndrews
Editor says,
Hi Mr. McAndrews,
We would love to give you quotes on auto and homeowners insurance and see if we can help you save some money. Please give us a call at 1-800-947-AUTO (2886) or go online to geico.com to get your fast, free rate quotes.
Thanks for reaching out!
Carrie Johnson says,
Thanks Geico for using Media to help drivers and prevent accidents. I’m surprised it took so long.
Carrie Johnson
J. Spelman says,
I always welcome a little visual help so I am more efficient.
( by visual help I mean the written word)
Bennett Carter says,
I am not an aggressive driver, but I like to be allowed to drive at speeds that feel proper for the highway and keep up with the traffic flow, but I still have an opinion that one way to save fuel is to limit your speed to 55 mph even if the legal limit is higher and set your cruise control to around 55. I know the speed limit was put to 70 mph or more in 41 states, but do you know if today’s cars would save gas by staying with 55 or 60 mph?
I remember the speed limit being 55 nationwide from 1974 to 1987 primarily to save gas.
Annette says,
Wow, I have a 2014 Honda Civic and in the winter time I warm it 5 or 10 min. Did not know 30 secs. warm up and drive off slow sounds good to me saving gas ?
Mirtha Alvarez says,
Very good on how to save gas.
courtney squire says,
great ! good work Geico
tadesse says,
helps v. good !
Dorothy Hailey says,
Thanks for the info it was very helpfull.
Sheryll Remy Francis says,
Thanks this information is very important to know.
steve Harrison says,
Very useful information. Every little bit helps these days. If I can get an extra 10 to 20 miles per tank full, I’ll save a lot in a year.
Marguerite Smith says,
Very good information on how to save gas, will use this from now on
Thanks
hui so says,
Thanks a lot!!!
Robert says,
I have a hybrid Toyota Camery. I got 33 to 36. I switched to Mobil 15/1 oil, also good for 15000 miles. Guess what. I got 41 to 46 average mileage. And the other day I got 49 with a trip to NY. I do have GEICO Ins also. On both cars and my Can Am. So far they have been the best.
Suzi says,
Buy an electric car, then you’ll really save at the pump!
Arika says,
Not everybody can afford a electric vehicle. The tips that Geico gave us helped.