Drivers Can Increase Their Mileage and Decrease Their Emissions With These 5 Changes

Driving doesn’t have to be a burden on your wallet or the environment. With rising fuel costs and growing concerns about global carbon emissions, drivers are rethinking how they operate and maintain their vehicles.

You don’t need to invest in a new car or expensive technology to make a change. Focus on these five practical changes to reduce your emissions and improve your fuel economy.

1. Practice Smooth Driving

Adopting smoother driving habits is one of the most effective ways to cut fuel use and emissions. Hard acceleration, abrupt braking and speeding can increase fuel consumption by 30% on the highway and 40% in stop-and-go city traffic.

Accelerate gradually, maintain a steady pace and anticipate traffic flow to reduce braking. Use cruise control and coast safely to maintain fuel efficiency. Approach stops by coasting to maintain a steady speed. This method conserves fuel and reduces wear on your brakes and tyres, lowering maintenance costs.

These habits reduce engine strain, limit unnecessary fuel burn and make driving safer. They also minimise wear on your tyres and brakes, which saves on maintenance in the long run. Smooth driving keeps your fuel gauge and carbon footprint in check.

2. Reduce Excess Weight

Extra weight lowers fuel efficiency and increases emissions. Regularly remove unnecessary items from your vehicle. Heavy equipment — like roof racks or carriers — creates aerodynamic drag that makes your engine work harder and can increase your fuel consumption by 20% on the highway.

Every 100 pounds reduces the fuel economy by 1%, but this can affect smaller-sized cars more than larger ones. Replacing bulky or heavy items with lighter alternatives can also improve mileage. Even small reductions in weight can add up over time, easing engine strain and improving acceleration. Keeping your vehicle as light as possible reduces fuel consumption on every trip.

Reducing weight and drag boosts mileage, lowers emissions and saves money. It’s a simple step that requires consistent awareness of what you carry.

3. Maintain Tyre Inflation and Alignment

Properly inflated tyres can save you money per gallon of fuel. Check your tyre pressure monthly and adjust it to the recommended levels. Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.

Similarly, regular wheel alignment ensures your tyres are straight and even. This reduces drag and prevents uneven wear. Misaligned wheels can cause your car to lean to one side, increasing fuel consumption and shortening the lifespan of the tyres.

Ensuring your wheels are aligned can lead to a 10% boost in gas mileage. Maintaining proper tyre pressure and alignment helps your vehicle move smoothly and efficiently. It also improves handling and safety, making it a crucial part of smart vehicle upkeep that benefits you and the environment.

4. Stick to Regular Vehicle Maintenance

A well-maintained vehicle runs efficiently and emits less. Follow the manufacturer's recommended schedule for oil changes, air filter replacements and spark plug inspections. Clean filters allow the engine to breathe correctly, while fresh oil reduces friction and wear. Immediately address warning lights or unusual sounds to prevent inefficient engine operation.

Regular maintenance also includes timely replacement of worn-out parts like brake pads or belts, which can affect performance. A well-maintained vehicle runs smoother, uses less fuel and emits fewer pollutants. Ignoring scheduled maintenance plans risks damaging components, increasing fuel use and causing costly repairs. Staying proactive with the upkeep of your vehicle saves money and helps your car operate more cleanly and efficiently every time you drive.

5. Plan Trips and Optimise Your Route

Efficient trip planning saves fuel and reduces emissions. Combine errands into a single outing instead of making multiple short trips. Efficient trips also reduce cold starts, which consume more fuel than driving with a warm engine. Use real-time navigation tools to avoid traffic congestion and idling in traffic.

Travel during off-peak hours to maintain steady speeds and further enhance your fuel economy. Turn off your engine during extended stops instead of idling, which wastes fuel and pollutes the air. Careful route planning reduces mileage, saves time and minimises your carbon footprint. Thoughtful planning maximises mileage and minimises environmental impact.

Drive Smart, Save Fuel and Cut Emissions

Sustainable driving starts with mindful choices. You don’t need a hybrid engine or an electric vehicle to make a meaningful difference in fuel consumption and carbon output. Small steps like driving smoothly, keeping your car well-maintained and optimising your trips lead to measurable results. These practical changes help you get more mileage from every tank. Adopt these five habits for long-term savings and sustainability.