Fuel Saving Tips
Published July 22, 2012: Updated Monday March 5, 2018

Fuel Saving Tips

For those of you who still drive gas burning cars and trucks, this section is full of tips on how to reduce your fuel consumption.  Click on the links to the right ---> to find out more.

By driving more efficiently you pay less in taxes. It's true! By not having to buy gasoline/diesel as often, you are not paying taxes that are included with every fuel purchase. 
To find out how you can learn to save money through energy efficiency click here.   

Remember Rule#1: Save energy without sacrificing convenience and luxury.  

Having mentioned rule#1, keep in mind that my gas car (a 1992 Honda Accord), while reliable, was approaching the end of its life, and had almost no re-sale value. Some of these tips you would never do to a newer/nicer car.  New Paragraph
Ways to reduce fuel consumption and increase gas mileage  

Before I gave up gasoline and started exclusively driving an electric vehicle, I was getting over 50 mpg in my 1992 Honda Accord. This is a 108% increase in gas mileage above the 24 mpg that this vehicle originally got.  

Measures to reduce your vehicle's fuel consumption:
In the order that I found most effective (the order for vehicle may vary).  
  • Inflate tires close to or at max sidewall pressure (44 psi).
  • Drive like there is an egg between your foot and the pedal.  
  • Anticipate stops. Coast more, brake less.  
  • Install a tool like the ScanGauge II or vacuum gauge.  
  • Slow down and drive the speed limit (highway commuting). 
  • Removed extra weight in the trunk. 
  • Lower rolling resistance tires (don't do this unless you need new tires anyway).  
  • LED brake lights, running and cabin lighting.  
  • 0W30 synthetic oil and high-performance air filter.  
  • Lower viscosity, high performance, synthetic transmission fluid.  
  • Replace old ICM, distributor cap, wire-set and spark plugs.  
  • Straiten dinged up heat shields around exhaust pipe (increased aerodynamics). 


More extreme fuel saving measures: (Only for the adventurous with older cars that have low/no resale value).  
  • Aerodynamic modifications. Grill block, undercarriage covers, wheel skirts, Kammback, (only for men who are VERY secure with themselves).  
  • Ignition Kill Switch on the fuel injector relay (I am able to coast with the engine off a total of 8 times in my 40 mile commute).
  • A/C condenser, compressor, lines delete (for cooler climates and early morning commutes).  
  • Power steering delete (For lighter cars only).
  • Larger exhaust system 2" diameter (Don't do this unless you need a new exhaust system anyway).
  • Remove rear-view mirrors (aerodynamic drag) and replace with interior ones (Check first, if this is legal in your state).  
  • Cooling fan delete (for flat, urban commutes). 
  • Remove broken accessories (weight reduction) that will never be replaced (trunk trim/upholstery, speakers, window motor, antenna raise/lower motor, glove box, console, hubcaps). 

Additional vehicle modifications: I have yet to personally try any of these ICE (internal combustion engine) mods.  
  • Block Heater (300-500 watt) on a timer (to reduce warm-up time).
  • Use preheated intake air from engine compartment instead of cooler air at wheel well.  
  • Alternator delete and install on-board solar battery charger.  
  • Deep cycle battery (when running w/o alternator).  
  • Replace side/rear glass with plastic (for weight reduction -- Don't do unless you need to replace broken glass anyway). 
Click here for a fabulous link to an easy to follow info-graphic showing 70 things you can do to your car to reduce energy consumption and increase fuel economy.
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