Sylvie Willis
Fuel is one of the most significant costs of owning a car. The cost of fuel varies depending on the type and size of vehicle, fuel type, location, and mileage. In the US, the average American driver spends about $3,000 per year on gas, according to the American Automobile Association. In the UK, motorists are estimated to spend over £1,000 on petrol or diesel per car annually. Various factors influence fuel efficiency, such as engine tuning, tyre pressure, motor oil grade, and driving habits.
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What You'll Learn
Electric vehicles save money
The average American driver spends about $3,000 per year on gasoline, according to the American Automobile Association. This cost can be reduced by driving a smaller car, keeping tires inflated to the right levels, using the manufacturer's recommended motor oil, and driving shorter distances. However, a recent study by Atlas Public Policy found that switching from a gas-powered car to an electric one will save drivers thousands of dollars in the long run. This is because electric vehicles (EVs) are generally cheaper to fuel due to the stable cost of electricity compared to volatile gasoline prices.
The study compared a Toyota Corolla (gas-powered) to a Chevrolet Bolt (EV) and found that Bolt owners would save about $3,000. The updated study showed that the Chevrolet Bolt savings more than tripled to $10,581 compared to the Toyota Corolla. This trend is driven by a lower upfront price for the Bolt. Additionally, EV drivers typically spend 40-65% less on fuel costs annually than gas-powered car drivers. These savings can be further increased by charging during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower.
Another advantage of EVs is that they have fewer mechanical components, resulting in lower repair and maintenance costs. On average, EV drivers save 40% on these expenses. Furthermore, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provides tax incentives for buying a used EV, making them even more affordable. The Argonne National Laboratory study found that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles saved drivers in over 99% of US ZIP codes, with the largest savings in areas with high gasoline prices, low electricity prices, and where older, less fuel-efficient vehicles are used.
For example, in Texas, a 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance AWD EV costs approximately $469 to charge annually, while a 2024 Honda Pilot FWD consumes about $1,704 in gasoline. This means a Texas resident could save around $1,235 in fuel costs each year by switching to an EV. Similarly, Idaho has the highest savings of up to $2,200 per year due to high gas prices and cheap electricity. Overall, electric vehicles offer significant cost savings compared to gas-powered cars, making them a more affordable and environmentally friendly option.
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Fuel-efficient cars are cheaper
The average American driver spends about $3,000 per year on gas, according to the American Automobile Association. This figure can be significantly reduced by choosing a fuel-efficient car.
Fuel-efficient cars are those that can travel a greater distance using less fuel. The most fuel-efficient cars are those with petrol and hybrid engines, or some newer diesel engines. Electric vehicles (EVs) are also a great option, as they can cut your fuel bills to zero. However, for many car shoppers, the switch to electric might not suit their driving needs or budget. This is why a frugal gas-only, hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle can prove ideal.
The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage, for example, is the least thirsty gas-powered car sold today and is also the most affordable, with a starting price of just under $18,000. The most fuel-efficient Mirage is the hatchback, rated at 36/43/39 mpg city/highway/combined. The 2024 Honda Civic is another affordable option, with the most efficient 2024 Civic rated at 33/42/36 mpg.
Another way to save on fuel costs is to opt for a smaller car. The fuel cost is about half for a small sedan than for a very large SUV. You can also save money by choosing a car with a smaller engine, such as a four-cylinder engine, rather than paying for a larger, more powerful engine that you don't need.
There are also some simple ways to improve the fuel efficiency of your current car. These include keeping your tires inflated to the right levels, using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil, and planning your routes carefully to drive shorter distances and avoid traffic.
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Properly inflated tires reduce fuel consumption
The average American driver spends about $3,000 per year on gas, according to the American Automobile Association. This cost can be reduced by up to 3% by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by about 0.2% for every 1 PSI drop in average pressure. Tires also lose about 1 PSI per month, and their pressure will decrease in cold weather. It is recommended to check your tires at least monthly, preferably weekly, and to inflate them to the pressure recommended by the car manufacturer.
Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which is the force resisting the motion of a body rolling on a surface. When tires are underinflated, their surface area increases, and so the rolling resistance increases, requiring more energy from the car's engine to move the vehicle forward. This leads to increased fuel consumption.
Maintaining the correct tire pressure is a simple yet vital practice for any vehicle owner interested in optimizing gas mileage. It plays a significant role in the performance and economy of your vehicle, and it can also help to reduce unnecessary wear on your tires, saving you money and ensuring your safety on the road.
There are other ways to improve fuel efficiency, such as using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil, driving a smaller car, and driving with a less powerful engine. "Hypermiling," or driving for extreme fuel efficiency, involves techniques such as avoiding rapid acceleration and keeping speeds below 45 mph.
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Mileage impacts fuel costs
Secondly, the type of car and its engine impact fuel efficiency. Smaller cars, such as compact sedans, are more fuel-efficient than larger vehicles like SUVs. Similarly, choosing a car with a smaller and less powerful engine can reduce fuel consumption. For instance, a four-cylinder engine will be more economical than an eight-cylinder engine unless you routinely haul heavy loads. Properly tuning a car's engine can also enhance fuel efficiency, although this is often done to increase horsepower rather than improve fuel economy. Fixing a noticeably out-of-tune engine or one that has failed an emissions test can improve fuel mileage by around 4%, depending on the nature of the repair.
Thirdly, driving habits play a crucial role in fuel efficiency. Speeding has a significant impact on gas mileage, with drivers losing 1-2% of their fuel economy for every mile per hour they drive over 55 mph. This is due to increased drag at higher speeds. Additionally, rapid acceleration and hard braking negatively affect fuel economy. By contrast, maintaining a steady speed and avoiding frequent stops improve mileage. This is why highway driving is generally more fuel-efficient than local routes or city streets.
Lastly, several maintenance and vehicle condition factors influence fuel costs. Properly inflated tires can reduce fuel consumption by up to 3%. Regular tire pressure checks are essential, as tires lose pressure over time and due to temperature changes. Using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil can improve gas mileage by 1-2%. Keeping the car well-maintained, such as changing fluids and filters, and addressing issues that impact fuel efficiency, such as faulty sensors, are also important.
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Gas prices vary by location
The cost of fuel is a significant expense for most drivers. The average American driver spends about $3,000 per year on gas, according to the American Automobile Association. However, this amount can vary depending on several factors, such as the make and model of your car, its fuel efficiency, and the number of miles you drive annually. For instance, a car with good fuel economy, such as the Skoda Octavia, will cost you much less to run than a car with poor fuel economy, like a Land Rover Discovery or a Mercedes S500.
There are several ways to improve your fuel economy and reduce your fuel costs. Firstly, consider the weight and size of your car. Driving a smaller car can make a significant difference, as the fuel cost of a small sedan is about half that of a large SUV. Additionally, ensure your tires are inflated to the correct levels. Properly inflated tires can reduce fuel consumption by up to 3%. Another way to improve fuel efficiency is to use the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. This can improve your gas mileage by 1-2%.
If you're looking for more extreme fuel efficiency, you can try "hypermiling." This practice involves minimizing acceleration and braking as much as possible. While you can't avoid these actions entirely, you can reduce rapid acceleration and coast as much as possible. Keeping your speed below 45 mph and turning off your air conditioning can also help. Additionally, planning your route carefully and taking highways instead of local routes can maximize fuel efficiency by allowing you to maintain a steady speed.
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Frequently asked questions
The average American driver spends about $3,000 per year on gas, according to the American Automobile Association.
Motorists spend an average of £1,051 a year on petrol and £1,257 on diesel, for cars with average fuel economy and average mileage.
There are several ways to reduce the fuel costs of your car:
- Ensure your tires are inflated to the right levels. Properly inflated tires can reduce fuel consumption by up to 3%.
- Use the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. This can improve gas mileage by 1% to 2%.
- Drive sensibly. Aggressive drivers who accelerate suddenly or brake hard burn more fuel. Driving calmly can improve gas mileage by up to 40%.
- Plan your route carefully. Take highways instead of local routes or city streets when possible – the steady speed maximizes fuel efficiency.
The amount of money saved by switching to an EV depends on the cost of electricity in your state or country. For example, in Texas, a resident could save around $1,235 in fuel costs each year by switching to an EV.
As of March 2025, the average cost of motor fuel was £1.36 per litre for ultra-low sulphur unleaded petrol and £1.43 per litre for ultra-low sulphur diesel in the UK. In the US, the national average cost of gasoline was $3.065 per gallon in November 2024.
