Fuel Economy: How to Get More Miles per Gallon and Save Money

When we talk about fuel economy, how far your vehicle travels on a gallon of fuel. Also known as gas mileage, it's not just about saving money—it's about reducing waste, cutting emissions, and making your car last longer. Many people think better fuel economy means buying a hybrid or electric car, but the truth is, even your oldest petrol-powered vehicle can get significantly better mileage with simple fixes.

What affects your fuel economy more than you realize? tire pressure, the air inside your tires that keeps them rolling efficiently. Underinflated tires drag on the road, forcing your engine to work harder. A study by the U.S. Department of Energy found that every 1 psi drop in pressure lowers fuel economy by 0.2%. That adds up to over 10% lost mileage if all four tires are 5 psi low. Then there’s engine performance, how well your engine burns fuel to produce power. Dirty air filters, worn spark plugs, or a failing fuel pump—things covered in other posts here—can drop your mileage by 10-20%. Even your driving habits matter. Rapid acceleration and hard braking waste fuel faster than you think. Smooth, steady driving can improve your fuel economy by up to 30%.

You don’t need a fancy gadget or a new car to see real gains. Start with checking your tire pressure once a week. Replace your air filter if it’s clogged. Avoid idling for more than a minute. And if your car’s been acting sluggish, it might not be the engine—it could be a bad fuel pump or worn clutch, both of which drain fuel without giving you anything back. These aren’t just repair issues—they’re fuel economy killers.

The posts below cover exactly what you need to know. From how suspension problems make your car burn more gas to why a dirty AC filter can indirectly hurt your mileage, you’ll find real fixes—not theory. Whether you’re trying to stretch your fuel budget or just want your car to run better, these guides show you how to get more out of every liter you buy.