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Do you save more gas driving on the highway?
I’ve been shopping for cars recently and I noticed that highway miles per gallon (mpg) is always higher than city mpg. However, going faster seems like you would burn more fuel than if you went slower. Will I actually save more gas by driving on the highway?
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Although your observation is astute, you don’t save more gas driving on the highway per se. The idea is that driving in the city is harder on your engine. When you drive in the city, you have to deal with:
- Engine idling at stop signs, stoplights, and traffic
- Constant braking
- Different speeds
- You maintain a consistent speed.
- Your engine’s optimal efficiency is between 50 and 60 mph.
- Your engine stays at lower RPMs in a higher gear, which requires less fuel.
So, you could say you save more gas driving on the highway, but it’s all about how you drive. Some tips to get the best fuel economy possible are:
- Avoiding fast acceleration and deceleration
- Going the speed limit (or staying within the 50 to 60 mph range, if possible)
- Using a driver feedback device, which can also lead toinsurance discounts
- Avoiding cargo carriers or other objects on the roof, which can hinder your car’s natural aerodynamics
- Removing excessive weight from the cargo area or trunk
- Using cruise control to maintain a steady speed
- Avoiding idling
Regardless of which car you buy or its fuel economy, getting an affordable car insurance policy through
Jerry
is an even better way to save money than at the pump.Jerry is a licensed insurance broker that will collect quotes from over 50 top-rated insurers in minutes. After you find a great rate, Jerry can help you buy new insurance and cancel your old policy. Users save an average of $887 per year.
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- Gregory R.
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