Fuel efficiency is about getting the most distance out of every liter of fuel.
For drivers, this can mean saving a lot of money, especially with fuel prices rising and traffic conditions often unpredictable.
Private car owners and professional drivers who use vehicles for daily transport, delivery, or business purposes can benefit from these proven, easy-to-follow tips to cut down fuel costs.
You won’t need to spend extra money to implement these strategies—just adopt mindful driving habits and ensure regular vehicle care.
Why Fuel Efficiency Matters Now More Than Ever
Gasoline prices today can fluctuate wildly.
Many drivers find themselves spending more on fuel than they budgeted for.
This can strain household expenses, especially if driving is part of your work or daily routine.
By improving your fuel efficiency, you can:
- Spend less on fuel.
- Reduce wear and tear on your car.
- Make fewer trips to the gas station.
- Lessen your impact on the environment.
And the best part? These benefits are within your reach through simple changes in how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
1. Drive Smoothly: Easy on the Gas, Easy on the Wallet
How you drive directly affects your fuel consumption.
Here’s how to make every liter go further:
Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking.
These habits burn fuel quickly.
Instead, accelerate gently and keep a steady speed.
Follow the speed limit.
Driving at 80-100 kph instead of 120 kph can save you up to 3 kilometers per liter.
That’s significant over time.
Use cruise control on highways when safe.
This helps maintain a constant speed, reducing fuel consumption by up to 33%.
We all feel rushed in traffic. But aggressive driving costs you more money.
Smooth, steady driving not only saves gas—it makes your drive less stressful.
2. Keep Your Vehicle Light and Streamlined
The heavier your car, the more fuel it needs to move.
Try these simple changes:
Empty the trunk.
Remove unnecessary tools, boxes, and other heavy items.
Even 25 extra kilograms can reduce your mileage by 1-2%.
Remove roof racks when not in use.
They create wind resistance that can lower your fuel efficiency by up to 5%.
You may think it’s easier to keep things in the car “just in case,” but removing them can put money back in your pocket.
3. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance.
This makes your car work harder and burn more fuel.
Check your tire pressure regularly.
Ideally, do this once a week or before long trips.
Follow the recommended PSI (found in your car manual or on the driver’s side door).
Proper tire inflation can improve your mileage by up to 3.3%.
It’s easy to forget about your tires. But taking five minutes to check them can save you on fuel and prevent costly blowouts.
4. Plan Your Routes Wisely
Wasted time in traffic equals wasted fuel.
Check traffic conditions before leaving.
Use apps like Waze or Google Maps to avoid congested areas.
Combine errands into one trip.
Cold starts use more fuel.
Running multiple errands in one go saves time and money.
Avoid peak hours if possible.
Stop-and-go traffic burns more fuel than steady cruising.
Nobody enjoys sitting in traffic. Planning ahead not only saves gas—it saves your sanity.
5. Limit Idling Time
When your engine is idling, it’s still using fuel.
Even a few minutes adds up.
Turn off the engine if you’re waiting more than a minute.
This is especially true when waiting for someone, parked at the curb, or during deliveries.
Avoid warming up the engine for too long.
Modern engines don’t need it. A few seconds is usually enough.
You might think idling is harmless. But every minute wasted is money burned.
Turning off your engine is an easy fix.
6. Use Air Conditioning Smartly
Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by up to 20%.
Use A/C only when necessary.
On cooler days, opt for ventilation or roll down the windows when driving at low speeds.
Close windows at high speeds.
Open windows create drag, which forces your car to work harder.
Use A/C efficiently instead.
We all want to be comfortable, especially in hot weather. But being smart with A/C use strikes a balance between comfort and saving on gas.
7. Regular Vehicle Maintenance
A well-maintained vehicle is more fuel-efficient.
Here’s a maintenance checklist to keep your car running efficiently:
Follow your vehicle’s service schedule.
Delaying oil changes or tune-ups can lower fuel economy.
Replace or clean air filters.
Dirty filters make your engine work harder, reducing efficiency.
Use the recommended engine oil.
The wrong oil increases friction, decreasing fuel efficiency.
Ensure wheel alignment and balance.
Misaligned wheels cause your car to drag, burning more fuel.
Maintenance may seem costly upfront, but it prevents bigger expenses later and saves fuel today.
8. Use Eco Mode if Available
Many modern vehicles have an “Eco Mode” feature.
This adjusts your engine and transmission settings to maximize fuel economy.
Switch it on for city driving and light highway cruising.
It’s a small button with big benefits. If your car has this feature, using it can deliver instant savings.
9. Smart Refueling Practices
Even how you refuel makes a difference.
Refuel during cooler times of the day.
Fuel is denser in the morning or late evening, giving you more for your money.
Avoid topping off the tank.
It can cause overflow and wasted fuel.
Stop when the pump clicks off.
Fuel is expensive. Getting every peso’s worth matters.
These simple habits help stretch your budget.
10. Reduce Vehicle Load and Drag
Beyond removing roof racks and heavy items, there’s more you can do:
Avoid unnecessary accessories that add weight or drag.
Large spoilers, bull bars, and oversized tires can reduce aerodynamics and increase fuel use.
Customizing your car is fun, but if fuel efficiency is a priority, consider slimming down.
Current Fuel Price Trends
Fuel prices have recently seen a welcome drop.
For the week of March 11 to 17, 2025, gasoline prices went down by ₱1.70 per liter, while diesel prices dropped by ₱0.90 per liter.
This marks the second straight week of lower prices.
As of early March 2025, the average gasoline price stands at ₱65.65 per liter.
But the actual price you pay can vary.
For example:
- In Metro Manila, gasoline prices range from ₱52.00 to ₱78.47 per liter.
- Diesel prices range from ₱50.00 to ₱74.24 per liter.
Why Prices Fluctuate
Fuel prices change due to many reasons.
Some of the biggest factors include:
- Global oil prices
- Supply and demand
- Local market conditions
- Taxes and transport costs
These changes can happen week by week.
This makes it hard to predict how much you’ll spend on fuel in the future.
Video: Top 10 Tips To Boost Fuel Efficiency
In today’s climate of fluctuating gas prices, these practical tips will help save fuel on your daily commutes.
Using cruise control on highways maintains a constant speed, which cuts down fuel consumption.
Avoid rapid acceleration, speeding, and hard braking to drive more efficiently.
Regularly check tire pressure and remove unnecessary items from your car to improve mileage.
Utilize your vehicle’s eco mode and start-stop systems, and turn off your engine if you’re parked or in long queues.
Combine errands into one trip to save on fuel.
By incorporating these habits, drivers can make their journeys more economical and efficient.
Conclusion
Fuel prices may be unpredictable, but your driving habits don’t have to be.
By following these fuel-saving tips, you’ll not only cut costs but also enjoy a smoother, safer driving experience.
Every little adjustment adds up over time—whether it’s keeping your tires properly inflated, avoiding unnecessary acceleration, or planning smarter routes.
With mindful habits and regular maintenance, you can take control of your fuel consumption starting today.