Pinching Pennies at the Pump: How you can boost your car's fuel economy

SALT LAKE CITY — Whether it is artificial intelligence mapping out a fuel-efficient drive, or the fuel-saving tips your dad swore by, we wanted to know what really boosts your fuel economy and saves you money. Right after Google launched its eco-friendly option in their mapping app, the little leaf icon powered in part by AI, KSL Investigative producer Sloan Schrage and I put it to the test. The question we wanted to answer: Could taking a slightly slower route burn less gas? Google’s eco-friendly routes factor in traffic, elevation, stoplights and speed. That last one is key. The U.S. Department of Energy says dropping the speed down from 70 to 60 miles per hour burns 14% less fuel. Interestingly, when Sloan and I did this test in 2022, gas prices were actually higher than they are right now. In our test, we estimate following the eco-friendly route saved us about one-half gallon in gas. In today’s prices, that’s roughly two bucks! What you give up, though, is time. The eco-friendly route added more than nine minutes to the fastest route. But yes, AI can help you save money on gas. Then, there’s the advice you've probably heard before. It still holds up said Emilie Voss, a former spokesperson for CARFAX. “If there's things you can do to save at the pump, we want to be doing them,” she said.

Keep tires inflated

If you've ever tried to push a wheelbarrow with an underinflated tire, you know you’re going to have to work a lot harder to push it. Same goes for your car. “It could impact your gas mileage by up to 3% if you don't have the right air pressure in there.” The old standby 32 PSI doesn't always cut it anymore for the right air pressure. Inflate your tires to the PSI called out for in either the owner’s manual or on the plate posted on the driver side door jamb.

Keeping on oil changes

Regular oil and oil filter changes and using right oil in your car’s engine also impacts how much fuel you burn. “It can reduce your gas mileage by about one to 2% if you're not using the proper grade of oil, in your vehicle,” said Voss.

Cargo carriers

Consider removing your rooftop cargo box. Sure, it might look sleek and aerodynamic, but the U.S. Energy Department says it can drag down your fuel economy by as much as 25%.

Lighten the load

Speaking of cargo, that load of thrift store donations you’ve kept in your trunk for weeks on end is costing you more than you might think. The Environmental Protection Agency says for every 110 pounds taken out of a car, the fuel economy improves by 2% or more, depending on what model you’re driving. “Especially if you have a sedan,” said Voss. “So, we know that extra weight in a smaller vehicle can make exponentially different gas mileage.”

Aggressive driving

Don't floor it when the light turns green or brake hard when it turns red. The Energy Department estimates aggressive driving habits can zap your fuel economy by 15 to 30%.

Park in the shade

Finding a shady spot to park or parking inside a garage can help reduce fuel loss. AAA says hot temperatures can cause fuel to evaporate. Plus, by not having to cool your hot car down enough to make it bearable enough to drive, you'll help lighten the burden on the A/C. The EPA says the A/C typically chews up between 3 and 10% of your fuel economy.

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