7 Tips to Use Less Gas During Price Surges

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

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:03am

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When gas prices spike, drivers can take several steps to stretch their fuel further, including sticking to 65 mph on the highway, using cruise control, coasting to stops, and keeping tires properly inflated. Experts also recommend removing unnecessary roof racks or cargo, planning trips to make fewer stops, and considering a more fuel-efficient vehicle when it's time for an upgrade.

Why it matters

With gas prices continuing to rise, these tips can help consumers save money and reduce their fuel consumption during periods of high prices and shortages. Adopting more efficient driving habits and vehicle maintenance can make a meaningful difference in how much drivers pay at the pump.

The details

Experts suggest drivers stick to 65 mph on the highway, use cruise control to maintain a steady speed, coast to stops, and utilize their vehicle's automatic start-stop feature. Removing roof racks, cargo, and ensuring proper tire inflation can also improve fuel efficiency. Planning trips to minimize unnecessary stops and opting for higher-quality "Top Tier" gas when possible are additional recommendations.

  • The average age of vehicles on the road is about 12 years.

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 at Consumer Reports (thehill.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 at Kelley Blue Book (thehill.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 at AAA (thehill.com)

The takeaway

By adopting more fuel-efficient driving habits and vehicle maintenance, consumers can save money at the pump during periods of high gas prices. These tips provide a practical roadmap for stretching every gallon and reducing the financial burden of rising fuel costs.