The average American worries about gas prices. With many people relying on their vehicles to get around, fuel costs are a significant concern for families and individuals, especially those with tight budgets.
With gas prices often fluctuating, you may have times when keeping your tank full is more stressful than others. The year 2022 saw rising costs in gas, groceries, and more, which meant many Americans were struggling to keep up with inflation. Many businesses, such as the oil and gas industry, were also affected, which impacted suppliers, businesses, and consumers. And, while gas prices have recently come down, they are still high enough to impact budgets.
When gas prices are up, you’ll likely look for ways to save money on fuel so that the increased cost doesn’t impact your budget. But, does how you drive influence how much gas your vehicle uses? Here is what you need to know about how driving habits affect miles per gallon.
Can The Way I Drive Lower Fuel Consumption?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes. While this might be bad news if you tend to drive more aggressively, the good news is that you can change your driving habits to save money on gas and reduce your environmental impact.
So, whether you’re trying to save money when times are tight or looking to be more eco-friendly, you can follow some tips to better conserve fuel.
Tips To Use Less Fuel When Driving
If you’re ready to use less gas when you’re driving your vehicle, follow these practical tips from fuel efficiency experts:
- Accelerate slowly: While you might sometimes have to get up to speed more quickly, it’s better for fuel efficiency to accelerate slowly. Just imagine there’s a drink on your dashboard that you’re trying not to spill.
- Drive around the same speed: While, of course, you have to vary your speed while driving somewhat to follow the speed limits, it’s best to remain at a steady pace as often as possible. According to some estimates, speeding up and slowing down can increase fuel usage by up to 20%.
- Coast instead of braking: When you can, coasting your car to a stop or to slower speeds will conserve gas. When you brake, your car is using more gas than when you let the momentum slow the vehicle down.
- Avoid driving too quickly: If you love to go as fast as possible, you’re likely using more gas than necessary. Your fuel efficiency is generally best at under 50 mph. So, while you might have to go faster on highways and freeways, be aware of this fact.
Generally speaking, you’ll save money on gas and also be a better driver if you drive defensively. Focus less on speed and instead focus on safety and consistency. Driving as fast as possible or trying to accelerate too fast also puts you and others around you at risk of accidents. So, there are many benefits to fuel-efficient driving.
Saving Gas And Driving Habits
While it’s frustrating to deal with rising or inflated fuel costs, you can significantly reduce your gas usage if you follow some driving tips. And, by being a more conscious driver, you can also be safer when on the road, so there’s no reason not to use some of these tips the next time you’re behind the wheel.
