Bridgestone Team | 5 min read 

Unfortunately, there’s not much we can do to control the price at the pump, but don’t worry, there are ways to increase fuel efficiency and get the most of each tank of gas. Use these tips for more mileage between fill-ups as well as more money in your pocket.

How to save at the pump

Get regular tune-ups

Keep tires properly inflated

Maintain proper tire alignment

Slow down

Brake less

Reduce air conditioner use

Care for your car

Get regular tune-ups to be sure you’re not losing on fuel economy. Some vehicle problems can seriously decrease your fuel economy and should be taken care of. Replacing a faulty oxygen sensor, for example, can improve gas mileage by up to 40%!

Keeping tires properly inflated also helps conserve fuel and money. Gas mileage can be lowered up to 0.3% for every one-pound drop in pressure in all four tires if they are underinflated. Check every month that all your tires (even your spare) meet the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure listed in your vehicle owner’s manual. Remember to check pressure when the tires are cold, meaning the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours or has driven less than a mile at moderate speeds.

Keeping tires correctly aligned improves gas mileage as well as helps the tires wear evenly, extending their life. Tires that are improperly aligned can result in as much as a 10% decrease in fuel efficiency, meaning more money out of your pocket spent on wasted gas.  

Drive with diligence

Slow down! Consider this: Each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at different speed ranges but usually gas mileage begins to quickly diminish at speeds above 50 mph.

Brake less. Every time we step on the brakes, we’re essentially wasting the acceleration we’ve already gained. By anticipating the need to stop and coasting a bit before coming to a standstill, we can make the most of the car’s momentum.  

While many factors affect fuel economy in hot weather, running your vehicle’s air conditioning and open windows are two big contributors. To help offset this (and keep your passengers comfortable!) we recommend rolling your windows down at low speeds to keep cool and run your air conditioning when traveling at highway speeds.