05/20/2026
With gas prices continuing to climb, many drivers are looking for ways to squeeze more mileage out of every tank. According to a NAIT auto technician, improving fuel efficiency comes down to two main things: proper vehicle maintenance and smart driving habits.
Keeping up with regular maintenance — like oil changes, replacing air filters, and checking fluids — can make a major difference in how efficiently your vehicle runs. Even something as simple as a dirty air filter can force your engine to work harder and burn more fuel.
Tire pressure is another big factor. Underinflated tires create more drag on the road, meaning your vehicle has to use more energy — and more gas — to move. Even being a few PSI low can noticeably affect fuel economy.
Driving habits also play a huge role. Rapid acceleration and hard braking waste fuel because all the energy used to get your vehicle up to speed is immediately lost as heat through braking. Smoother acceleration and gentler braking can significantly improve mileage, especially in stop-and-go city traffic.
Cruise control can also help on highways by keeping your speed steady and avoiding unnecessary fuel use.
As for the debate between air conditioning and rolling the windows down? Modern A/C systems are actually fairly efficient. At higher speeds, driving with the windows down creates extra wind resistance and drag, which can end up using more fuel than running the air conditioning.
Another common mistake drivers make is topping off the gas tank after the pump clicks off. Modern fuel systems are sealed and need space for fuel expansion. Overfilling can push fuel into emissions components and potentially cause expensive damage over time.
At the same time, constantly running your tank nearly empty isn’t ideal either. Fuel helps cool the fuel pump, and repeatedly driving on empty can shorten its lifespan.
Bottom line: regular maintenance, proper tire pressure, smoother driving, and avoiding fuel system mistakes can all help save money at the pump and reduce wear on your vehicle.