No matter how fuel-efficient your vehicle, everyone can use a little extra cash. Try these fuel-saving tips to help make your dollar go a little further at the pump.

Hard as it may be to hear, it pays to slow down. The ideal speed for each vehicle varies, but in general, every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying another 30 cents per gallon for gas. But if you do choose to drive at the speed limit (or slower), make sure you keep to the slow lane.


Accelerating at lightning speed may get your adrenaline pumping, but it'll cost you. Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking wastes gas. In fact, they can cut your MPG by up to 5% in the city and up to 33% on the highway. So keep it smooth and steady, using cruise control when you have the chance. If you do, you'll see the savings.

Keeping your tires properly inflated will help you get better gas mileage. Regardless of the potential gas savings, it’s always a good idea to check your tire pressure at least once a month. Underinflated tires will also wear faster and negatively affect handling and braking.

When your car is running but not moving, you're getting zero MPG. Avoid idling whenever possible. If you’re going to be at a stop for longer than it takes to sit through a traffic light, turn off the engine.

For every 100 lbs. of cargo (or people) in your vehicle, your fuel economy drops by 2%. So lighten the load. And don’t forget about simple aerodynamics. Adding anything to your vehicle that results in more air resistance will lower your fuel economy.

Proper maintenance isn't just good for your vehicle, it's good for your wallet too. Keeping your engine properly tuned can make a big difference. Small repairs, like changing a clogged air filter, can improve your gas mileage by as much as 10%. And fixing more serious problems, like a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve it by up to 40%.

Plan your trips to avoid congestion. The less time you spend idling in traffic or stopping and starting, the better your gas mileage will be. Also remember that engines run most efficiently when they’re warm, so whenever possible, combine several short trips into one longer trip.