Let’s face it—filling up your gas tank isn’t getting any cheaper. Whether you’re commuting daily or gearing up for a road trip through Utah’s scenic byways, improving your gas mileage isn’t just about saving money—it’s about driving smarter. Every gallon you save not only helps your wallet but also reduces your carbon footprint and keeps your vehicle running smoother for longer.
Better fuel efficiency means less wear and tear on your engine, fewer trips to the pump, and a longer life for the vehicle you’ve invested so much in. So, let’s dive into what affects fuel efficiency—and what you can do about it.
What Affects Gas Mileage?
Fuel economy can vary widely from one driver to the next, even in the same car. That’s because it depends on a mix of:
- Driving habits – aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and idling waste fuel.
- Vehicle condition – poorly maintained engines, dirty air filters, or worn-out spark plugs lower efficiency.
- Environmental factors – hills, wind resistance, and temperature can all affect your mileage.
Don’t forget the big ones like tire pressure and aerodynamics. Just a few PSI under the recommended pressure can reduce fuel economy, and dragging around roof racks or open windows at high speeds creates unnecessary drag.
7 Practical Ways to Improve Your Gas Mileage
Let’s break it down into seven hacks you can start doing today to get the most out of every gallon—and add years to your car’s life.
1. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Underinflated tires are one of the most common and avoidable causes of poor gas mileage. When your tires are low, your car has to work harder to roll, which means more fuel is burned.
Pro tip: Check your tire pressure monthly, especially during the changing seasons when temperatures can cause fluctuations. You can find the recommended PSI in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the sticker inside the driver’s door.
2. Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Routine maintenance is one of the best investments you can make in your car. Things like:
- Oil changes keep your engine lubricated and reduce friction.
- Air filter replacements ensure your engine is breathing cleanly and efficiently.
- Spark plugs and fuel injectors are essential for smooth combustion and power delivery.
Neglecting these leads to sluggish performance and wasted fuel. A quick stop at any Burt Brothers location can help keep everything running like clockwork.
3. Smooth Driving Habits
If you treat your gas pedal like an on/off switch, you’re burning fuel unnecessarily. Gradual acceleration, smooth braking, and maintaining a consistent speed are key to better mileage.
Avoid aggressive driving and minimize idling—both waste fuel and stress your engine. It’s a simple mindset shift that makes a big difference over time.
4. Reduce Weight & Drag
Got extra gear in your trunk or a roof rack you’re not using? Time to clean house. Extra weight makes your engine work harder, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
And while roof racks are great for adventures, they create drag at highway speeds. If you’re not hauling bikes or gear, consider removing them to save fuel.
5. Use Cruise Control on Highways
Cruise control is your fuel-saving friend on long drives. It helps maintain a steady speed, which is more efficient than fluctuating up and down.
On hilly terrain, just be cautious—cruise control can sometimes downshift more than necessary, burning more fuel.
6. Properly Use Air Conditioning
Running your A/C full blast can significantly reduce your gas mileage, especially in smaller engines. When driving at lower speeds, consider rolling the windows down. On the highway, it’s actually better for fuel economy to use the A/C rather than open windows due to wind resistance.
Use your car’s ventilation system wisely—and when in doubt, use A/C sparingly.
7. Plan Your Routes
Efficient driving starts before you even hit the road. Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to avoid traffic congestion, construction zones, and long idling times.
Carpooling and public transit can also reduce the number of miles you drive each week—which adds up fast in savings and lower emissions.
How Often Should You Check These Practices?
To keep your fuel efficiency on point:
- Check tire pressure once a month.
- Change oil every 3,000–5,000 miles (or as recommended by your vehicle).
- Replace air filters about every 12,000–15,000 miles.
- Evaluate your driving habits regularly—especially if you notice a dip in performance or mileage.
- Schedule full tune-ups at least once a year.
Fuel-Saving Technologies & Tools
There are plenty of tools to help you save at the pump, like:
- Tire pressure monitors (many vehicles have these built in, but external sensors are also available).
- Fuel tracking apps that help you monitor usage and maintenance schedules.
- Eco-driving apps that give feedback on your acceleration, braking, and speed habits.
Looking for long-term savings? Hybrid and electric vehicles offer much better fuel economy and are increasingly affordable. Not sure if it’s time to make the switch? We can help you evaluate your options and keep any vehicle—gas or electric—in top shape.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you notice:
- A sudden drop in mileage,
- The check engine light comes on,
- Unusual engine behavior like rough idling, sputtering, or lack of power—
…it’s time to call in the pros.
At Burt Brothers, our certified technicians can run a diagnostic, inspect your fuel system, and identify any issues that might be impacting your gas mileage. Better to catch problems early than deal with costly repairs down the road.
Simple Changes for Big Savings
Improving your gas mileage doesn’t require a total lifestyle change—just a few smart habits and regular maintenance. By:
- Keeping your tires properly inflated,
- Driving smoothly,
- Reducing drag and excess weight,
- And staying on top of oil changes and air filters,
you’ll notice savings at the pump and keep your vehicle running better, longer.
Ready to start saving? Stop by any Burt Brothers location for a maintenance check or free tire pressure inspection. We’ve got your back—and your car’s best performance—in mind.
