With fuel prices in California ranking among the highest in the country, saving at the pump is more than just a nice bonus—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re commuting in Burbank traffic, heading to the coast, or driving through the hills, how you drive and care for your vehicle directly affects how much fuel you use. The good news is that you don’t have to make drastic changes to start seeing results.
Fuel efficiency isn’t just about the car you drive—it’s about how you drive it. By adopting a few smarter driving habits, California drivers can cut down on fuel consumption, reduce emissions, and save money over the long haul.
Smooth Driving Makes a Difference
One of the easiest ways to improve your fuel efficiency is to ease up on the gas pedal. Rapid acceleration and heavy braking burn more fuel than steady, gradual changes in speed. In city traffic, where stop-and-go driving is common, it pays to look ahead and anticipate stops and slowdowns. This way, you can coast to a red light instead of slamming on the brakes and accelerate gradually once it turns green.
It may seem small, but over time, driving more smoothly adds up to significant savings. Plus, it's easier on your engine, brakes, and tires.
Cruise Control Isn’t Just for Road Trips
Highway driving offers some of the best opportunities to save fuel—if you're consistent. Cruise control helps by maintaining a steady speed, which reduces unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. Even on slight inclines or declines, it often does a better job than your foot at managing throttle input.
California’s varied terrain and long stretches of open road make cruise control a useful tool, especially on commutes that involve freeways. Just be sure to disengage it when the road is wet or winding, where manual control is safer.
Don’t Let Your Car Idle Unnecessarily
California summers can be brutal, and it’s tempting to let the car run while the A/C cools things down. But excessive idling is one of the most fuel-wasting habits out there. Whether you’re waiting in the carpool line, stuck in traffic, or picking someone up, shutting off your engine when you're going to be stopped for more than a minute can save fuel.
Modern engines are built to restart efficiently, and letting them idle to "warm up" or "cool down" isn't necessary with most newer vehicles. You’re better off just turning the key when you’re ready to go.
Watch The Tire Pressure
You don’t have to be a mechanic to know that underinflated tires make your engine work harder. That added resistance increases fuel consumption and causes your tires to wear out faster. Unfortunately, California’s changing temperatures can affect tire pressure more than most drivers realize.
Get in the habit of checking your tire pressure monthly. It only takes a few minutes and helps ensure you're not throwing money away at the pump—or on premature tire replacements.
Drop the Extra Weight
Driving around with unused roof racks, cargo boxes, or a trunk full of gear may not seem like a big deal, but it can absolutely hurt your fuel efficiency. More weight means more fuel burned, especially in city driving. Likewise, roof racks and cargo carriers create aerodynamic drag, which increases resistance and reduces highway MPG.
If you’re not using them, take them off. And don’t forget to clear out the trunk and backseat. You might be surprised how much extra weight you're carrying around without needing to.
Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance
A well-maintained car simply performs better—and that includes fuel efficiency. Dirty air filters, old spark plugs, worn fuel injectors, or low engine oil levels can all reduce your miles per gallon. Keeping up with scheduled maintenance ensures your engine runs as efficiently as possible.
Something as simple as a fresh oil change or tire alignment can result in better fuel economy. Skipping service may save money in the short term, but you’ll pay more at the pump in the long run.
From clean engine performance to proper tire pressure, Future Auto Service in Burbank, CA, helps you save fuel without sacrificing comfort or performance. Book your appointment today.