Improving your gas mileage doesn’t always require driving less or buying a hybrid. Sometimes, a few quick maintenance tasks are all it takes to help your car run more efficiently—and save money at the pump. These fixes take just minutes but can lead to real fuel savings over time, especially for daily commuters and frequent drivers.
Here’s a breakdown of fast car maintenance tasks that improve MPG with minimal effort and maximum payoff.
- Check and Adjust Tire Pressure
Underinflated tires are one of the most common causes of poor fuel efficiency. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, making your engine work harder to move the car—resulting in more fuel burned per mile.
What to do:
- Check tire pressure once a month using a portable gauge or station pump
- Inflate to the PSI listed on the sticker inside your driver-side door (not the max PSI listed on the tire itself)
- Set a monthly reminder in your phone so it becomes part of your routine
Fuel impact: Proper inflation can improve gas mileage by up to 3%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Use the Right Motor Oil
Using the correct oil grade—especially one labeled as “energy conserving” or with the manufacturer-recommended viscosity—can reduce engine friction and improve performance.
Quick tip:
- Check your owner’s manual for the correct oil type
- If you use a quick-lube shop, confirm that they’re using the correct grade for your engine
- Look for oil marked with the API certification seal
Fuel impact: Switching to the correct oil can improve mileage by 1% to 2%, especially in older vehicles.
- Replace Dirty Air Filters
Your engine needs clean air to burn fuel efficiently. A clogged or dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing your vehicle to use more gas to achieve the same performance.
What to do:
- Inspect your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles—or more frequently if you drive in dusty areas
- Most filters can be changed in under 10 minutes with no tools
- Buy replacements at an auto supply store or online using your vehicle make and model
Fuel impact: A clean air filter can boost acceleration and MPG, especially in older, carbureted engines (though newer fuel-injected cars also benefit over time).
- Keep Your Engine Tuned
While tune-ups aren’t always needed monthly, small updates like replacing spark plugs or checking the fuel system can dramatically affect fuel use—especially if your car feels sluggish or the check engine light is on.
What to schedule:
- Spark plug inspections
- Fuel injector cleanings
- Emissions system checks
Setting a calendar reminder every few months to evaluate your engine’s performance can help you stay ahead of more costly repairs—and protect your MPG.
Final Thoughts
Basic car maintenance doesn’t have to be time-consuming or technical. With just 15 minutes a month, you can complete a few essential checks that help your vehicle burn less fuel and perform better on the road. Focus on tire pressure, clean air filters, proper oil, and routine inspections, and you’ll stretch your tank farther with every mile.
