Have you ever noticed how quickly your gas tank seems to empty, especially after a busy week of driving? It's frustrating when you fill up only to find yourself back at the pump sooner than expected.

The truth is, some driving habits could be draining your gas tank without you even realizing it. In this article, we'll check the most common driving habits that waste fuel, and what you can do to avoid them.

Rapid Acceleration

We've all been there: light turns green, and you're in a rush, so you slam on the gas pedal to get up to speed fast. However, that quick acceleration burns a lot more fuel than gradually easing into the gas.

When you accelerate rapidly, your engine has to work harder to reach higher speeds, which wastes fuel. Instead, try to accelerate smoothly and gradually. The difference might seem small, but over time, it can make a big impact on your gas consumption.

Hard Braking

When you tailgate or don't anticipate a stop ahead, you might end up slamming on the brakes. This not only puts unnecessary stress on your car's brake system but also wastes fuel. Hard braking and rapid acceleration, often called “stop-and-go” driving, is especially bad for your gas mileage.

The harder you brake, the more energy you're wasting, which is essentially fuel you've already used but didn't benefit from. The key is to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and anticipate stops early, so you can brake gently and efficiently.

Driving at High Speeds

It's tempting to speed on highways, especially when the roads are clear. But driving over 50 mph can significantly reduce your fuel efficiency.

The faster you drive, the more wind resistance your car encounters, and your engine has to work harder to maintain speed. Studies show that every 5 mph over 50 mph can cost you an additional $0.18 per gallon of gas. So, sticking to speed limits and driving at a moderate pace can help stretch your fuel further.

Letting Your Engine Idle

Idling might seem harmless, but it's actually one of the worst things you can do for your gas mileage. Whether you're waiting to pick someone up, sitting in traffic, or warming up your car in cold weather, keeping the engine running wastes fuel.

Most modern cars are designed to use less fuel when restarted than when idling for long periods. If you're stuck in traffic or waiting for more than 30 seconds, it's a good idea to turn off your engine and restart when you're ready to go.

Overloading Your Car

You might be in the habit of packing your car full of gear—whether it's luggage, sports equipment, or just items that pile up over time. The heavier the load in your car, the harder the engine has to work to keep it moving.

This added weight decreases your car's fuel efficiency, especially when combined with frequent stop-and-go driving. If possible, avoid carrying unnecessary items in your vehicle and remove anything you don't need. It's a simple fix that can improve your mileage without any extra effort.

Using Air Conditioning Excessively

We all love a cool breeze on a hot day, but using air conditioning can come at a cost. Running the A/C puts extra strain on your engine, making it work harder and burning more fuel.

While using the A/C at lower speeds may not have a huge impact, the faster you drive, the more fuel it uses. At highway speeds, open windows can cause drag and reduce fuel efficiency, so it's better to keep the windows up and use the A/C if necessary. If you're driving in city traffic, consider turning the A/C off when you can.

Driving with Underinflated Tires

Low tire pressure is often overlooked, but it can significantly affect your fuel economy. When your tires aren't properly inflated, they create more friction with the road, which forces your engine to work harder to maintain speed.

To avoid this, check your tire pressure regularly. Most cars have a recommended tire pressure that can be found in the manual or on a sticker inside the driver's side door. Keeping tires properly inflated can improve your fuel efficiency by up to 3%.

Short Trips and Frequent Cold Starts

Frequent short trips, especially in cold weather, can drain your gas faster. During the first few minutes of driving, your engine is still warming up, which means it's less efficient.

Cold starts are especially tough on your gas mileage because it takes time for the engine to reach its optimal operating temperature. If possible, try to combine errands and avoid driving short distances for the best fuel efficiency.

Poor Route Planning

Sometimes, we drive around aimlessly or get caught in traffic without thinking about the best route. Poor route planning can add unnecessary miles to your trips, wasting fuel in the process.

Using a GNSS or a mapping app can help you avoid congested areas, roadblocks, or construction zones. In addition, consolidating errands into one trip rather than making multiple short drives can save you time, effort, and fuel.

Keeping Your Car in Poor Condition

Lastly, a car that isn't properly maintained can burn more fuel. Regular maintenance, like oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections, ensures your engine is running as efficiently as possible.

If you let your car fall into disrepair, it may work harder than necessary, leading to poor fuel economy. So, don't skip those oil changes and tune-ups—keeping your car in good condition is key to saving fuel and avoiding unnecessary repairs down the line.

Final Thoughts

It's easy to overlook the small habits that impact fuel consumption, but the truth is, even minor changes in your driving style can lead to big savings at the pump. By adopting smoother driving techniques, maintaining your vehicle, and being mindful of your habits, you can make every drop of gas count.

So, next time you're behind the wheel, think about the small adjustments you can make to boost your fuel efficiency. The little things really do add up!