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9 Driving Habits That Save You $50 a Month on Gas
- Small Town Truth
- May 15
- 3 min read
The war in Iran has pushed gas prices to painful highs, and a few changes to how you drive can claw some of that money back for your family.
The national average for a gallon of regular hit $4.53 on May 14, 2026, about $1.35 higher than the same week last year, according to AAA. The war in Iran is driving the spike. The conflict has choked off Middle East oil exports since March, sending crude prices soaring and dragging pump prices up with them. For families driving kids to school, practice, and work every day, that adds up fast. You don't need a new car to spend less at the pump. Here are nine driving habits that can shave real money off your monthly fuel bill.
Easing off the highway speed is one of the simplest ways to stretch a tank. The Department of Energy notes that gas mileage drops quickly above 50 mph, and every 5 mph you drive over that point is like paying an extra $0.27 per gallon. Observing the speed limit can improve fuel economy by 7% to 14%, savings you'll feel on every long drive.
Sudden "jackrabbit" starts burn far more fuel than gentle acceleration. AAA recommends driving "like there's an egg on the gas pedal," pressing evenly and gently, and points to Department of Energy data showing aggressive driving lowers gas mileage by 15% to 30% on the highway and up to 40% in stop-and-go traffic. Smooth acceleration and easing off early for stops keeps that money in your pocket.
On flat, open highway, cruise control holds a steady speed better than your right foot can. AAA cites an Edmunds study that found fuel savings of up to 14% (closer to 7% on average) when drivers used it. It's less helpful on hilly terrain or in heavy traffic, so save it for the long, level stretches.
Letting the car run while you wait burns gas for nothing. The Environmental Defense Fund says an idling car uses between one-fifth and seven-tenths of a gallon an hour, and idling for just 10 seconds wastes more fuel than restarting the engine. Wasted fuel from idling can add up to $70 to $650 a year, so switch off if you'll be sitting more than 10 seconds.
Underinflated tires make your engine work harder for every mile. DriversEd.com, citing the Department of Energy, notes that proper tire pressure can improve gas mileage by up to 3%, or roughly $125 a year if you fill up weekly. Check the recommended pressure on the sticker inside your driver's door and top off whenever it runs low.
Every 100 pounds of added weight in your car costs about 1% in fuel economy, according to Eagle Buick GMC. The hit is biggest in stop-and-go traffic and on hills, where the engine has to fight that extra mass with every acceleration. Most trunks and back seats are carrying more than the owner realizes, so pull out the sports equipment, tools, and stray clutter you don't need for the day's driving.
An empty roof rack creates wind drag that drinks fuel even when it's carrying nothing. A Berkeley Lab study found roof racks can cut fuel efficiency by as much as 25%, and that unloaded racks left on year-round account for the biggest share of that waste. If you're not hauling anything, take it off.
A cold engine burns fuel less efficiently than a warmed-up one. The Department of Energy's fuel economy site notes that several short trips from a cold start can use twice as much gas as one longer trip covering the same distance. Group the school run, the grocery store, and the bank into a single loop instead of separate outings.
The oil grade your car's manufacturer specifies isn't just a suggestion. The wrong one makes the engine work harder. The Department of Energy's fuel economy site says using the recommended grade of motor oil improves gas mileage by 1% to 2%. Look for oil marked "Energy Conserving" on the label, and check your owner's manual for the right weight.
None of these habits require spending a dime, just a little attention every time you get behind the wheel. Stack a few of them together and the savings can easily add up to $50 or more a month. That's money better spent on groceries, rent, or your kids than burned at the pump.