Save Money at the Pump: Boost Your Car's Fuel Economy

Gas prices are brutal these days, and there's not much anyone can do about what happens at the pump. But here's the good news—drivers can actually stretch their fuel way further with some pretty basic tricks.

Keep That Engine Happy

Regular tune-ups aren't just about avoiding breakdowns. A well-maintained engine can seriously boost fuel economy. Something as simple as replacing a busted oxygen sensor can bump mileage up by 40%. Not bad for a quick fix.

Tires matter more than most people think. When they're underinflated, even by just one PSI, fuel efficiency drops. Check tire pressure monthly when the car's been sitting for a few hours—not right after driving around. And don't forget the spare tire hiding in the trunk.

Proper alignment saves gas too. Wonky alignment can slash fuel efficiency by 10%, which means more money wasted on gas that's basically doing nothing.

Drive Smarter, Not Harder

Speed kills gas mileage. Most cars hit their sweet spot for fuel economy somewhere before 80 km/h. After that, efficiency starts tanking fast.

Here's something that sounds weird but works: brake less. Every time someone hits the brakes, they're throwing away all that momentum they just paid for. Coasting toward red lights and anticipating stops can make a real difference.

Air conditioning is tricky. At low speeds, rolling the windows down works fine. But on the highway, AC is actually more efficient than the drag from open windows. Go figure.

The Tire Upgrade

Some drivers go the extra mile with specially designed low rolling resistance tires. Bridgestone's Ecopia line, for example, can add up to 11 extra kilometers per tank by reducing wasted energy. It's basically like getting free miles just from switching rubber.

These aren't magic bullets, but they add up. A few small changes to driving habits and car maintenance can keep more money in the wallet instead of feeding the gas tank.