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501 1st Ave. SW Austin, MN

Monday-Fri:day 8:00AM-5PM

(507) 481-6602

Schedule Appointment

5 Smart Ways to Boost Your Fuel Economy—and 5 Common Myths to Avoid

fuel economy 5 myths 5 truthsAt Gappa Auto, we know that every mile—and every dollar—matters. Whether you’re commuting around Austin, MN, or planning a road trip, improving your fuel economy helps you save money and keeps your car running smoothly. But not all fuel-saving tips are created equal. Some habits truly help, while others are just myths that don’t make much of a difference.

Let’s explore five proven ways to save fuel and five common myths you can safely ignore.

Five Simple Habits That Truly Improve Fuel Economy

One of the easiest ways to save fuel is by keeping your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder. Over the course of a month, that extra effort can quietly chip away at your gas mileage. Checking your tire pressure regularly—and making sure it’s set to your car manufacturer’s recommended PSI—can improve efficiency with minimal effort.

Your driving style also has a big impact. Rapid starts, speeding, and sudden braking all burn extra gas. Driving smoothly and steadily helps your engine run more efficiently, especially in stop-and-go traffic. On the highway, using cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed, which reduces unnecessary fuel use.

Another often-overlooked tip is simply lightening the load. Many of us keep things in our trunk or cargo area we don’t really need—sports gear, tools, or seasonal items. All that extra weight makes your engine work harder, which hurts fuel economy.

And of course, regular maintenance can’t be overstated. A well-tuned car with clean air filters, fresh oil, and properly functioning spark plugs uses less gas. Think of it this way: a healthy engine is an efficient engine. Keeping up with routine service means you’ll burn less fuel over time.

Five Tips that are Myths That Don’t Actually Help

While those habits truly improve fuel economy, there are plenty of myths that sound helpful but really aren’t. For example, many people believe using premium gas will boost their mileage. In reality, unless your vehicle specifically requires premium fuel, you’re just spending more without gaining any benefit.

Another outdated idea is letting your car “warm up” for several minutes before driving. Modern engines are designed to run efficiently almost immediately. Letting your car idle for too long just wastes fuel. Driving gently for the first few minutes is a better approach.

You may have also heard the claim that filling up early in the morning will get you more fuel because the gas is denser when it’s cooler. But gas station tanks are underground, where temperatures stay relatively stable, so the time of day doesn’t actually affect how much fuel you get.

There’s also confusion about whether it’s better to roll down your windows or use the A/C. At low speeds, open windows can save fuel. But at highway speeds, the drag created by open windows can actually make your car less aerodynamic, meaning you’ll burn more gas than if you just used the A/C.

Finally, some people think overinflating tires beyond the recommended pressure improves gas mileage. While it’s true that properly inflated tires help, overinflation can cause uneven wear, reduce traction, and even create safety risks—without delivering any real fuel savings.

The Bottom Line

Improving your fuel economy doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on the habits that make a measurable difference: maintaining your tires, driving smoothly, clearing out unnecessary weight, and keeping up with routine maintenance. At the same time, avoid the myths that may sound convincing but don’t actually help. Small, simple changes can add up over time—saving you money, reducing wear on your vehicle, and even lowering your environmental impact.

Need help keeping your car in top shape? Gappa Auto is here for you! From routine maintenance to fuel-saving tune-ups, our team will make sure your vehicle runs as efficiently as possible. Stop by our shop at 1st Avenue SW & 4th Avenue SW in Austin, MN, or call us today to schedule your next service.

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