5 driving habits that silently drain your fuel — and how to stop wasting money

Simple things that make your car burn more gas — are you doing any of them?

Think your car is using more fuel than it should? The real culprit might not be traffic — but the way you drive.

Many common driving habits quietly increase fuel use, sometimes by as much as 20%, without drivers even realizing it.

This guide on fuel-efficient driving explains the behaviors that hurt your gas mileage — and what you can do to fix them today.

Fuel-wasting habits and their fixes

Habit Why it wastes fuel Better option
Sudden starts and stops High revs burn more fuel Smoother, steady driving
Always using A/C Extra load on the engine Ventilate car before turning it on
Idling the engine Burns gas while stationary Turn it off if stopping >1 min
Car full of stuff More weight = more fuel Empty trunk of unnecessary items
Underinflated tires Increases rolling resistance Check tire pressure regularly

Popular fuel myths

  • Myth: You must warm up your engine for 10 minutes
    Fact: 1–2 minutes is enough, even in winter
  • Myth: Open windows save more fuel than A/C
    Fact: At high speeds, drag increases fuel use

Bonus: smart fueling tips

  • Refuel early in the morning — fuel is denser
  • Avoid stations with unreliable pump stops
  • Check your gas cap seal to prevent evaporation

Small changes in how you drive and refuel can save you serious money over time — with no sacrifice to comfort or safety.

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Author`s name Pavel Morozov