Higher gas prices aren't only having to pay more at the pump; it’s also less grocery money, less date money, less discretionary funds to do the things you need or want to do. While rising gas prices and inflation have already caused the saturated market of gas-saving apps, credit card rewards, and membership discounts to become even more saturated, you may be wondering –

What else can I do to save at the pump? How can I get the most from a full tank of gas?

The Simple Answer: Preserve Your Car's Fuel-Efficiency

No, you can’t control the gas prices, but you can control the vehicle you're putting the gas into and how you use that new, full tank of gas. This begins with turning to a trusted auto mechanic, getting the proper preventive maintenance completed, and making the right choices for your car – all in the name of fuel efficiency.

Here are ten things you can do to make the most of that full tank of gas:

1. Keep an Eye on Your Fuel-Efficiency

Watching how quickly your car burns through gas can save you much more at the pump in the long term than you may think.

To do this easily, check your car's owner manual. You may have an option on your car's dashboard to easily see the current fuel efficiency you're getting. It's important to be sure to keep a mental note of this so you can know if something is off.

How to Calculate Your Car's MPG

Another way to calculate your fuel efficiency to get an idea of what you're getting now is by doing the math. Fill up your tank, and record the mileage. Drive normally, then fill up your tank again, recording your mileage one last time. Then, subtract the mileage at your 1st fill up from the mileage at your 2nd fill up. Finally, divide that number by the number of gallons at your first fill up, and boom: that's your car's miles per gallon.

(mileage at 2nd fill up - mileage at 1st fill up) ÷ gallons at 1st fill up = Miles Per Gallon (MPG)

This is a rather important thing to know when trying to spend less money on gas. Here's a good gas mileage calculator that's very helpful in finding out your MPG.

2. Keep Your Tires Inflated

Checking your tire's air pressure regularly is something you can do to help make sure you're getting the most out of your full tank. Also, keep an eye on the tread level on your tires and replace them if worn.

Worn tires can negatively impact your gas mileage, the safety of your car, and much more.

3. Replace Your Air Filters

Your car's air filters get caked with dirt, dust, and all sorts of debris over time. They need to be replaced regularly for two main reasons: ensuring proper airflow and keeping harmful contaminants out of your engine. Both can make your car less efficient while consuming fuel. How? If airflow to your engine is blocked, the engine has to work harder to take in the appropriate amount of air for the proper oxygen to fuel ratio. The harder your engine works, the more gas it consumes.

4. Replace Your Spark Plugs

When's the last time you thought about your spark plugs? If you have no memory whatsoever of doing anything with your spark plugs, it may be time to replace them. Your spark plugs are a major contributor to your engine’s performance, which directly impacts your car's fuel consumption. Your spark plugs should be replaced periodically, based on both the quality of spark plug and your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, which could be anywhere from 30,000 to 150,000 miles. Your local Christian Brothers Automotive expert technicians can provide guidance on what’s best for your car.

5. Get Your Oil & Filter Changed Regularly

You've probably heard an adult (older than you) in your life say it, and we'll back it up: do not skip your oil and filter change. Regularly changing your oil can help your car's performance and gas mileage, among other things.

6. Combine Trips Around Town

Your engine uses more fuel each time you start it, so it's always more efficient to hit all your trips around town around the same time. Because your engine is already warm by then, it'll use much less gas than powering on a cold, unused engine. Plus, knocking out all those errands means less running around the rest of the week!

Skip Idling

While you’re running all those errands, we imagine it’s possible you’ll see your favorite fast food restaurant and decide to grab a bite. Our recommendation? Skip the drive-through line and go inside. You'll save a bit on gas by preventing your engine from idling for long periods of time. Drive-through lines, red lights, slow traffic–they add up and increase the amount of time your engine is running, which also increases the amount of fuel your engine is consuming. Also, if you dine in, you’ll get that free refill we all enjoy!

7. Watch How You Drive

While on the topic of driving around town, you'll want to make sure to be careful of how you drive, paying close attention to your driving habits. This can include:

• Avoiding quick starts - quick starts consume greater amounts of gas to move your car to higher speeds in a shorter period of time

• Avoiding quick stops - quick stops indicate that you’re pressing the gas longer than you have to, which, take a guess…uses more fuel than you have to

• Using cruise control on the highway - this helps not only to regulate your speed but also to prevent unnecessary acceleration, thus unnecessary use of fuel

The good news is that old driving habits can always be kicked out and replaced with better ones!

8. Be Careful of What You Tow

Avoid hauling unnecessary items, including heavy car jacks, tools, and other types of cargo around town, if at all possible, as the extra weight can drastically reduce your mileage and become a waste of fuel and money.

Even just 100 pounds of extra weight in your trunk or truck bed can reduce your gas mileage by 2%!

9. Check Your Car's Gas Cap

If you find that you're getting bad gas mileage, try checking your gas cap for leaks. Around 17% of fuel efficiency problems can be fixed with a new gas cap or a strong clockwise turn.

10. Come in For Regular Tune-Ups

Tune-ups aren't just important for making sure your car runs smoothly today – they're also a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of each gallon of gasoline you use. Starting with a fuel system inspection, your local auto shop can look your vehicle over to spot any problems that could increase your fuel consumption and more. We offer maintenance services that not only reduce fuel consumption but also increase acceleration power. That’s a definite win-win!

Turn to Christian Brothers Automotive

If you want to maximize your savings at the gas pump, visit the pump less often, or know why your car has become such a gas guzzler, Christian Brothers Automotive is a great place to start. Our professional mechanics have the tools and expert knowledge needed to pinpoint why your fuel efficiency is not what it once was and what should be done about it.

Find and call your closest Christian Brothers Automotive location today to schedule your visit! Not only will you receive guidance on fuel consumption but also you’ll be offered a FREE Courtesy Inspection, which is an overall health checkup on your car. We’ll help you maintain your car, so that it lasts as long as you need or want it to. For us, it’s about Driving Joy!

This blog was written in March, 2013, and was updated in August, 2023, to reflect current industry standards and best practices.