More miles. Less nonsense.

The goal is to use less gas while driving normally and safely. It is not to become the reason everyone behind you is late.

Keep the useful habits

Smooth acceleration and braking, obeying speed limits and removing an unused roof carrier can reduce fuel waste. Plan errands together when practical. The DOE and EPA fuel-economy guide explains these habits and why results vary.

Skip the stunts

Do not tailgate trucks, coast with the engine switched off, overinflate tires or interfere with normal traffic. Saving a little fuel does not justify giving up control, visibility or safe following distance.

Maintain the car according to its manufacturer. Use the recommended tire pressure and oil specification; do not substitute the maximum pressure printed on a tire for the vehicle recommendation. See the official maintenance guide.

Measure a few tanks

Record miles driven and gallons added at comparable full fill-ups. Divide miles by gallons for measured mpg. Compare several tanks because traffic, weather and routes change. One unusually good trip is a nice moment, not a scientific breakthrough.

Illustration: 1,000 miles at 25 mpg uses 40 gallons. At 28 mpg it uses about 35.71. With hypothetical $4 gas, the difference is about $17.14. Your actual savings depend on your driving and fuel price.

Do not spend dollars chasing pennies

A cheaper station can cost more if the detour is long. Multiply the cents-per-gallon difference by the gallons you will buy, then subtract the detour fuel. Keep time in mind too.

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