How can I make my mileage go up?
The quickest way to improve mileage is to drive more smoothly, keep your vehicle well maintained, and minimize drag and excess weight. Small, consistent changes can add up to meaningful fuel savings over time.
Fuel efficiency depends on many factors, from driving style and trip planning to maintenance and vehicle type. This guide outlines practical steps you can take today—whether you drive a gasoline car, a diesel, or a hybrid—and explains how different choices influence miles per gallon (mpg) in everyday conditions.
Smart driving habits
These techniques focus on how you drive to minimize fuel consumption without sacrificing safety or comfort.
- Drive smoothly: accelerate gradually, anticipate traffic, and avoid hard braking or rapid throttle changes.
- Use cruise control on long highway stretches with steady speeds to reduce unnecessary engine work.
- Moderate your speed: higher speeds dramatically reduce mpg on most cars.
- Limit idling: turn off the engine if you expect to be stopped for more than a minute, and use auto stop/start if your car has it.
- Plan trips to avoid unnecessary driving and combine errands into one outing.
- Lighten loads and remove roof racks when not in use; extra weight and drag reduce efficiency.
- Be mindful of air conditioning: use A/C sparingly and drive with windows up at highway speeds to reduce drag; at urban speeds, A/C use may be less impactful.
- Avoid short trips that don’t allow the engine to reach optimal operating temperature, which lowers efficiency initially.
These driving adjustments typically yield immediate mileage gains and help you maintain better fuel economy over time.
Vehicle maintenance for efficiency
Maintaining the vehicle in good condition helps ensure it runs as efficiently as possible and minimizes fuel waste due to avoidable issues.
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure; underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce mpg.
- Regularly replace air filters, spark plugs, and oxygen sensors as recommended to maintain efficient combustion and power delivery.
- Ensure proper wheel alignment and replace worn suspension components to reduce drag and rolling resistance.
- Use the correct engine oil viscosity and change it at recommended intervals; dirty or low-grade oil can reduce efficiency.
- Use the recommended fuel grade; avoid unnecessary premium fuel unless required.
- Maintain your exhaust and emissions controls; a failing catalytic converter or O2 sensor can dramatically harm mpg.
Proper maintenance helps prevent efficiency losses and keeps your expected fuel economy closer to the vehicle’s rated figures.
Vehicle features and equipment that help mpg
Some features and vehicle choices can improve mileage, particularly in specific driving conditions.
- Consider more efficient vehicle types, such as hybrids or diesel-powered cars, if you do a lot of driving in both urban and highway conditions.
- Use eco or fuel-saving modes if your vehicle offers them; some models optimize shift points or cylinder deactivation to save fuel.
- Hybrid and electric-assisted vehicles can achieve higher mpg in city driving due to regenerative braking and electric assist.
- Improve aerodynamics: remove roof racks or spoilers when not needed; use streamlined cargo carriers if you must carry gear.
Vehicle tech that emphasizes efficiency can provide ongoing gains, especially when combined with disciplined driving and maintenance.
Trip planning and driving routes
How you plan trips and manage routes can cut fuel consumption by reducing idle time and detours.
- Plan efficient routes with real-time traffic data to minimize stop-and-go driving and long idling periods.
- Group errands into one trip to keep engines warm and reduce cold-start penalties.
- Avoid peak traffic times when possible to reduce idling and frequent braking.
- Consider alternative transportation options, such as carpooling or public transit, to maximize fuel savings per person or trip.
Thoughtful trip planning often yields substantial savings, particularly for frequent commuters or multi-stop days.
Special considerations by vehicle type
Gasoline-powered cars
General best practices focus on driving style and maintenance, with efficiency influenced by engine design, transmission, and aerodynamics.
- Operate the vehicle within its optimal RPM range and use gears appropriately to improve efficiency.
- Avoid aggressive throttle and high-speed driving; small changes compound over time.
- Follow manufacturer maintenance schedules to sustain the car’s rated mpg.
For gasoline cars, the combination of habits and upkeep drives the majority of mpg gains.
Diesel, hybrids, and diesel-hybrids
Diesel engines typically offer better fuel efficiency, particularly on highway speeds, while hybrids shine in stop-and-go urban driving due to regenerative braking and electric assist.
- Diesel: ensure proper maintenance of diesel-specific systems like injectors and exhaust aftertreatment for best economy.
- Hybrid: maximize the use of electric drive in city traffic and optimize battery state of charge for efficiency.
- Diesel-hybrids can offer a balance of high fuel economy with strong torque, but maintenance costs may differ from gasoline-only models.
Vehicle type informs the most effective mpg strategies and potential gains.
FAQs and caveats
Tips to remember and safety notes: never compromise safety to chase mpg, follow speed limits, and stay aware of road conditions. Some practices, such as extended idling to warm up a vehicle, may be counterproductive in modern engines and vary by climate and vehicle technology.
Summary
Improving mileage is typically a combination of smoother driving, regular maintenance, and making smart vehicle choices. Start with simple changes in driving habits, check maintenance items regularly, and consider more efficient vehicle options if your daily mileage is high. Monitor your fuel economy over time and adjust strategies as needed for the best results. Real-world mpg will vary based on vehicle type, load, terrain, and climate, but consistent, informed choices tend to yield noticeable improvements.
Is it possible to increase mileage?
The best ways to increase car mileage are regular maintenance, correct tyre pressure, smooth driving, and reducing excess load in both city and highway conditions.
How can I get my MPG to go up?
How To Improve Gas Mileage in 5 Steps
- Clear out the extra clutter. There are some items you should keep in your car, like an emergency kit.
- Limit idling.
- Keep your speed steady and within the speed limit.
- Check your tire pressure.
- Perform regular maintenance.
What trick gets the best gas mileage?
- What are easy hacks to make my car have better gas mileage?
- The easiest one is to slow down.
- Accelerate slowly, but steadily.
- Don't stop or slow down if you can help it.
- Keep your tire pressures where they are supposed to be.
- Keep your car in tune.
- Take extra weight out of the car.
Is there a way to increase mileage on a car?
Here are 11 easy and effective ways to improve your gas mileage:
- Always use your vehicle's recommended fuel type.
- Maintain the correct pressure in your tires.
- Refuel as early in the day as possible.
- Never forget to replace your air filter.
- Take advantage of your vehicle's cruise control.
