Whether you’re navigating city traffic or cruising the highway, commuting eats up more gas—and money—than you might think. But improving your fuel efficiency doesn’t require a new car or expensive gadgets. In fact, small changes in your driving habits and maintenance routine can result in real savings.
Here are the most effective, research-backed fuel efficiency hacks for everyday commuters.
- Accelerate Smoothly and Avoid Hard Braking
Rapid acceleration and sudden stops burn more fuel than you realize. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fuel Economy Guide, aggressive driving can reduce your gas mileage by 15% to 30% on highways and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.
Instead, aim for gradual acceleration and coasting into red lights.
- Don’t Idle Longer Than 30 Seconds
Many drivers leave the car running while parked. But idling for more than 30 seconds wastes fuel and adds to engine wear. Even in colder climates, modern engines don’t need more than a few seconds to warm up.
For delivery drivers or parents waiting in school zones, turning off the engine can result in weekly fuel savings.
- Use Cruise Control on the Highway
Cruise control helps maintain a steady speed, which reduces unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. On long commutes or road trips, this can lead to significant fuel efficiency gains—especially on flat roads.
However, it’s best avoided in heavy traffic or on hilly terrain where constant adjustments are required.
- Lighten Your Load
The more weight your vehicle carries, the more fuel it burns. According to the EPA, an extra 100 pounds can reduce fuel economy by about 1%. That gym bag, golf clubs, or case of water bottles in your trunk may be costing you more than you think.
Remove anything you don’t need for your commute to boost mileage.
- Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Low tire pressure creates rolling resistance, which makes your engine work harder. Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI, listed on the driver’s side door frame or in your manual.
Check pressure monthly and especially during seasonal temperature shifts. Learn more via NHTSA’s Tire Safety guide.
- Use the Right Motor Oil and Change Air Filters
Using the correct grade of motor oil, as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer, can improve fuel economy by 1–2%. Dirty air filters, on the other hand, restrict airflow and reduce efficiency.
Regular maintenance pays off, especially for high-mileage commuters.
- Plan Your Routes to Avoid Traffic
Apps like Google Maps, Waze, and INRIX offer real-time traffic updates and alternative routes to minimize idle time and congestion.
Fewer stops, smoother travel, and consistent speeds all contribute to fuel savings.
- Fuel Up Strategically
Gas prices tend to spike on weekends. According to GasBuddy, Mondays and Tuesdays often offer the best deals. Use their app to track the cheapest stations along your route.
Some apps also provide fuel-specific discounts or cash rewards, like Upside or Ibotta, which can be stacked with store loyalty programs for added savings.
- Pay with Discounted Gift Cards
Instead of paying full price, some commuters buy digital gas gift cards through apps like Fluz. For example, you can earn cashback with a Shell virtual card or get rewards with a Chevron virtual card and still scan your loyalty ID at the pump.
With Fluz, you can even buy the gift card for the exact amount owed at the register, allowing you to avoid leftover balances. To start using gift cards as a smart fuel-saving tool, visit Fluz.
- Combine Trips and Carpool
Short trips taken with a cold engine use more fuel. When possible, combine errands into one drive. Carpooling with coworkers just once or twice a week can also significantly reduce monthly gas use—and vehicle wear and tear.
Final Thoughts
Fuel-efficient commuting isn’t just about the car you drive—it’s about how you drive and how you plan. With a few strategic tweaks, you can turn your daily drive into a budget-friendly routine without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Use these tips consistently and your gas tank—and wallet—will go farther than ever.
