7 Tips to Stretch Your Fuel During High Gas Prices

Experts share advice on driving more efficiently to save money at the pump.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:48pm

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With gas prices on the rise, drivers can take several steps to improve their fuel efficiency and stretch their gas further. Experts recommend slowing down, using cruise control, limiting idling, reducing drag, checking tire pressure, combining trips, and considering a hybrid or electric vehicle when it's time for a new car.

Why it matters

High gas prices put a strain on household budgets, especially for those who rely on their vehicles for commuting and daily errands. By adopting more fuel-efficient driving habits and vehicle maintenance, drivers can offset some of the financial impact of rising fuel costs.

The details

Experts suggest drivers can improve fuel efficiency by slowing down to around 65 mph, using cruise control to maintain a steady speed, limiting idling by utilizing start-stop technology, removing roof racks and other accessories that create drag, keeping tires properly inflated, and combining errands to reduce overall driving. For those in the market for a new vehicle, hybrids and electric cars offer a way to move away from gas-powered engines entirely.

  • Gas prices have spiked in recent months.

The players

Michael Crossen

Manager of auto testing at Consumer Reports.

Sean Tucker

Managing editor for compact and full-size vehicles at Kelley Blue Book.

David Bennett

Senior automotive manager at AAA.

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What they’re saying

“It's a hard one to swallow, right? You gotta put gas in to go about your day and get to work and pick the kids up from school.”

— Michael Crossen, Manager of auto testing (z975.com)

“Stick to 65 (mph, 105 kph) on the highway. Today's cars are geared to be most efficient at that speed, and you lose quite a bit of fuel efficiency the faster you go.”

— Sean Tucker, Managing editor for compact and full-size vehicles (z975.com)

“If you're stuck in traffic and you see it bumper to bumper for a while and you have start-stop, don't turn that off. Allow the engine to turn on and off as it's needed.”

— David Bennett, Senior automotive manager (z975.com)

The takeaway

By adopting simple fuel-saving habits and maintenance practices, drivers can get the most out of every gallon of gas and offset the financial burden of high prices at the pump.