How to Get Better Gas Mileage on Your Summer Road Trips

Summer usually means one thing around here: more time on the road. Whether you’re heading to the beach, visiting family, or just taking advantage of long weekends, your car ends up doing a lot more driving than usual. And lately, one thing we hear from drivers almost every day here at Metro Motor is, "Why does it feel like I’m filling up my tank constantly?"

The truth is, fuel economy isn’t just about gas prices or the type of car you drive. A lot of small things – driving habits, maintenance, and even what’s sitting in your trunk – can affect how far your vehicle goes on a tank. To help, we've compiled a few simple ways to help your car run more efficiently this summer.

Start from the ground up – with your tires!

This is probably the easiest fix we see in the shop. When tire pressure is low, your engine has to work harder to move the vehicle. That extra effort burns more fuel without most drivers even realizing it.

At Metro Motor, we check tire pressure on nearly every vehicle that comes through our doors because it makes such a noticeable difference, not just for gas mileage, but for safety and tire life, too.

Clean out any “just in case” items.

You’d be surprised how many cars we see packed with winter gear, tools, or random items that have been riding around for months. Extra weight equals extra fuel use.

Before a road trip, take a few minutes to clear out anything you don’t actually need. Your car will thank you and so will your wallet at the gas pump.

Drive smoothly (your car notices).

Quick acceleration and sudden braking use more gas than most people think. We’re not saying you have to drive like you’re in a parade, but smoother driving, steady speeds, and using cruise control on highways can noticeably improve fuel efficiency on longer trips. It also makes the drive a lot more relaxing.

Stay on top of basic maintenance.

One thing we often explain to drivers is that cars lose fuel efficiency gradually. A dirty air filter, overdue oil change, or worn spark plugs might not feel like a major problem, but together they make your engine work harder than it should.

Routine maintenance isn’t just about preventing breakdowns, it helps your car run the way it was designed to.

Don’t ignore that check engine light.

If the check engine light comes on, your vehicle may still drive normally, but it could be using more fuel than necessary. We regularly see small sensor or emissions issues that don’t seem urgent, but quietly hurt gas mileage over time. Getting it checked early is usually faster, easier, and less expensive than waiting.

Turn on the A/C strategically.

Summer driving in the DMV without air conditioning isn’t realistic, we get it. But there are a few A/C tips that can help you get the most from your gas mileage.

At lower speeds, rolling the windows down can help save fuel. On the highway, though, open windows create drag that actually reduces efficiency. In fast-driving situations, running the A/C is often the better option. It’s all about balance.

Plan the trip, not just the destination.

One underrated way to save fuel is simply avoiding unnecessary driving. Combining errands, avoiding heavy traffic when possible, and planning routes ahead of time can cut down on idling and stop-and-go driving, both of which burn gas quickly. A little preparation goes a long way to helping you save dollars at the pump.

At Metro Motor, we believe vehicle maintenance should make driving easier, not more stressful. Before a long summer trip, a quick check can help make sure your car is running efficiently, safely, and ready for the extra miles ahead. Sometimes, small adjustments are all it takes to improve gas mileage and avoid surprises on the road.

If you’re planning to travel this summer, we’re always happy to take a look and help you get the most out of every tank – with a free preventative maintenance inspection when you drop by one of our auto repair locations.

Safe travels from all of us at Metro Motor and enjoy the drive!