There are many great reasons to reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption. It’s better for your pocketbook and helps the planet by reducing the volume of a leading cause of climate change. Making sure your vehicle is as fuel-efficient as possible means you’re keeping it well-maintained, and a well-maintained vehicle means fewer repair bills. Lower bills and a healthier plant? Sounds great, right?

Here are some tips to help you reduce fuel consumption:

Good driving habits can save gas. According to the Department of Energy, you can conserve fuel, save money, and reduce emissions through simple changes in driving behaviors. Of course, the easiest way to save fuel is to simply drive less. If your destination is only a few blocks away, consider walking or biking. When you do need to drive, bundle your errands with a goal of getting as much done as you can in one outing. Maybe even set up a carpool with your neighbors or colleagues to run errands or go to work.

Embrace your vehicle maintenance record. Regular checkups at your local Toyota Service Center can help you stay ahead of common issues such as dragging brakes, worn spark plugs or low transmission fluid. The Department of Energy notes that some of these issues may reduce gas mileage. Pro tip: a , like the ones we offer at Toyota Financial Services, can help take the guesswork out of budgeting for regular maintenance.

Maintain tire pressure. According to Energy.gov, keeping your tires properly inflated to their recommended pressure saves fuel. Tires can deflate naturally, by as much as 1.5 PSI (pounds per square inch) each month. To help maximize your gas mileage, set a calendar reminder to check your tire pressure on the first day of each month.

Buy your fuel the right way. According toFuelEconomy.gov, most vehicles are designed to use lower octane gasoline. Look at your owner’s manual to check the lowest grade fuel recommended for your vehicle. Also, keep an eye on prices. Gas prices can vary greatly from station to station, and every nickel you save is a nickel you’ve earned. 

Tighten your fuel cap. Did you know as many as 30 gallons of gas could be lost annually to evaporation, according to the New York Department of Transportation? When your gas cap is loose, precious fuel will float right out of your tank, which directly affects the mileage you get from the fuel you purchase.

Use the cruise. When you’re on a flat highway, using cruise control is a great way to reduce fuel consumption, according to Cars.com.  Cruise control keeps your vehicle going at a velocity that is constant – there’s no acceleration or braking. That means less work for your engine, which means, you guessed it, using less fuel.

Choose a vehicle that gets great mileage. Hybrid electric vehicles are designed to use as little fuel as possible while still offering a great ride. Have you seen the new Prius? The Prius LE FWD boasts up to 57/56 (city/highway) EPA-estimated miles per gallon (Est. MPG)*. Many models of the  RAV4 Hybrid** boast up to 41/38. For the Sienna, it’s 36/36 for most models and the Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE FWD gets up to a 36 Est.MPG combined rating. And it doesn‘t stop there. Be sure to check out Toyota’s diverse range of electrified vehicles for even more choices.

Make your vehicle more aerodynamic. This means increasing your fuel efficiency by decreasing the drag and wind resistance of your vehicle. According to Fueleconomy.gov, driving with your windows down can reduce fuel economy. Keep your windows closed, especially at higher speeds. Remove roof racks from your vehicle when you’re not using them. Finally, be sure to reduce your car’s weight load by removing any unnecessary stuff you’ve got lurking around in the trunk.

Leave the auto-stop/start on. If your vehicle is equipped with an auto-stop/start feature, use it. According to AAA research, using start-stop can help improve fuel economy significantly, by up to ten percent. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than stopping and restarting your engine does. Always consult your owner’s manual to learn how to get the most economical performance from your vehicle.

Are you ready to reduce your fuel consumption? Try these tips, and check out easy maintenance options at Toyota Service Centers, and you’ll be well on your way.

* EPA-estimated 57 city/56 hwy/57 combined mpg rating for 2024 Prius LE FWD. Your mileage may vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See fueleconomy.gov.

** EPA-estimated 27 city/35 highway/30 combined mpg rating for 2024 RAV4 LE FWD, XLE FWD, XLE Premium FWD and Limited FWD. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See fueleconomy.gov.

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