Gas Saving Dos and Don’ts

As summer approaches, gas prices tend to rise—and so does the number of people hitting the road. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or just want to stretch your budget a little further, improving your fuel efficiency can make a noticeable difference. While there’s no shortage of advice on how to improve gas mileage, not all of it is backed by facts. Below, we’re breaking down the myths that don’t really help—and the tips that actually do.

🚫 Gas Saving Myths: What Doesn’t Work

1. Fill up early in the morning to get denser gas.
It sounds logical—cooler temps, denser fuel, more bang for your buck. But gas is stored in underground tanks where temperatures remain consistent, so time of day won’t really affect the amount of fuel you get.

2. Keep your tank full to prevent evaporation.
Modern vehicles are equipped with vapor recovery systems that prevent fuel from evaporating, whether your tank is full or not.

3. Frequently replace your air filters for better mileage.
That may have helped older vehicles, but today’s engines use sensors and fuel injection systems that automatically manage the air-to-fuel ratio.

4. Overinflate your tires to reduce rolling resistance.
This can actually do more harm than good. Overinflated tires reduce traction, increase braking distance, and wear unevenly—none of which are great for safety or savings.

5. Change your oil frequently to improve gas mileage.
Sticking to your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule is important, but changing your oil more often than necessary won’t boost mileage.

6. Lower your truck’s tailgate to improve aerodynamics.
Surprisingly, studies by GM’s aerodynamics lab show that keeping the tailgate up is actually better for airflow.

7. Use fuel additives or “fuel economizers.”
Despite marketing claims, most of these products have little to no measurable impact on fuel economy in controlled testing.

✅ Gas Saving Tips: What Actually Works

1. Drive at a steady pace.
Avoid rapid acceleration and sudden stops. Driving smoothly and keeping your speed between 55–60 mph is typically the sweet spot for fuel efficiency.

2. Use cruise control.
It helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve mileage—especially on long highway drives.

3. Roll down the windows (sometimes).
If the weather’s mild, skip the A/C. Running your air conditioning can lower fuel economy by more than 25%.

4. Turn off the engine during long stops.
Idling wastes fuel. If you’re waiting for a train or picking someone up, it’s better to shut off the engine.

5. Remove roof racks or carriers when not in use.
They create drag, which reduces aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. Taking them off helps your car glide more easily.

6. Keep your tires properly inflated.
Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by about 3%. Check them monthly and keep them at the recommended pressure.

7. Combine errands.
Cold engines use more fuel, so grouping your errands into one trip makes your car run more efficiently.

8. Use apps and websites to find the best prices.
Tools like GasBuddy can help you locate the lowest gas prices in your area with just a few taps.

Whether you’re commuting to work or setting off on a summer adventure, following these real gas-saving tips can help you save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and keep your vehicle running smoothly.

BOOST is here to support early childhood educators facing financial hardships. Need help? Reach out to our Director of Teacher Success Whitney Carper at wcarper@boostbyhinge.org.