Let’s face it: everyone wants better gas mileage. Some drivers think the secret is upgrading to a fancy hybrid, others think it’s buying “premium” fuel when their car manual clearly says regular. But here’s the truth—your engine is only part of the story. The way you drive (yes, you) has just as much impact on your fuel bill as the size of your gas tank.

So buckle up (tightly, because seatbelts don’t burn fuel, but your habits do), and let’s talk about the 10 everyday mistakes that murder your MPG.

1. Driving Like You’re in a Fast & Furious Audition

Smooth acceleration and braking save fuel. Slamming the gas like Dom Toretto trying to win pink slips? That just feeds your car dollar bills straight out the tailpipe. Even on normal roads, those sudden speed bursts drain more fuel than steady driving.

Pro tip: Pretend your gas pedal is made of eggshells. Unless you’re actually drag racing, gentle wins.

2. Ignoring Tire Pressure Like It’s Optional Homework

Under-inflated tires are basically resistance bands for your car. They force your engine to work harder, and harder work means more gas. You wouldn’t run a marathon in deflated sneakers, right?

Pro tip: Check your tire pressure monthly. Your car handles better and you save fuel.

3. Carrying Half Your Garage in the Trunk

Your car is not a mobile storage unit. That bag of hockey gear, random tools, and the box of “stuff you’ll eventually return to Home Depot” are killing your mileage. Extra weight = extra fuel burn.

Pro tip: Clean out your trunk. Your car isn’t a pack mule.

4. Roof Racks Left On Forever

Roof racks and cargo boxes look cool, but unless you’re actually transporting a kayak 24/7, they’re just air brakes. That extra drag makes your engine guzzle more fuel at highway speeds.

Pro tip: If it doesn’t need to live on the roof, take it off. Your gas tank will thank you.

5. Idling Like You’re in a Drive-Thru Marathon

Modern engines don’t need to “warm up” for ten minutes. Sitting there idling just wastes fuel. And no, blasting AC while scrolling TikTok in your driveway isn’t efficient either.

Pro tip: If you’re stopped for more than 60 seconds, shut it off.

6. Ignoring Aerodynamics (aka Driving with Windows Down at 120 km/h)

Yes, rolling down the windows feels nice. But at highway speeds, that’s basically your car wearing parachutes. The drag kills efficiency fast.

Pro tip: At low speeds, windows down is fine. At highway speeds, use AC—it actually saves gas compared to flapping your car’s aerodynamics to death.

7. Skipping Regular Maintenance

Dirty air filters, old spark plugs, and gunked-up oil all mean your engine is working harder than it should. You wouldn’t run a marathon in a winter coat, so don’t make your car run one either.

Pro tip: Oil changes, air filters, spark plugs—cheap maintenance saves expensive fuel.

8. Bad Route Choices

Stop-and-go traffic eats fuel like a teenager eats pizza. Sometimes the “shorter” route isn’t the most fuel-efficient.

Pro tip: Use apps to check real-time traffic. Sometimes an extra 2 km of smooth driving beats idling for 20 minutes behind a cement truck.

9. Heavy Foot on the Climate Controls

Max AC at full blast? Yep, more fuel burn. Cranking the heat when your engine’s barely warm? Same deal. Climate control uses energy, and energy means gas.

Pro tip: Be smart with AC/heat. Moderate use saves fuel and keeps your car from becoming a sauna or igloo.

10. Treating Cruise Control Like a Fancy Decoration

Cruise control isn’t just for road trips—it helps keep your speed steady, which is exactly what saves gas. Without it, most drivers unconsciously speed up and slow down more than they realize.

Pro tip: On flat highways, cruise control = free gas savings.

Final Thoughts: Your Wallet Is in Your Right Foot

Better gas mileage isn’t rocket science. It’s about awareness. The car is doing its job—you’re the wildcard. Drive smoother, keep your car maintained, and stop treating your trunk like a storage locker. You’ll spend less at the pump and might even look like a smarter driver (bonus points if you actually check your tire pressure).

So remember: gas mileage isn’t just about the engine—it’s about the driver. And if all else fails, carpool. Because nothing saves gas like making your friend drive.