Filling up the tank doesn't feel the same as it used to. Just drive past a gas station to realize that every dollar counts and that any driving habit can make a difference in your monthly expenses. The good news is that you don't need to change your car or make impossible sacrifices to reduce fuel consumption.

Small everyday gestures, from how you accelerate to where you fill up, can help each liter last longer.

Consumer Reports specialists have tested various real-life driving situations and compiled a series of recommendations that work in practice. If applied consistently, they can translate into fewer trips to the gas station and more money in your pocket.

Below, a clear guide with ten tips to help you get the most out of every tank.

Keep enough gas in the tank

Driving with at least half a tank may seem like a minor detail, but it's useful in several scenarios. In cold weather, in the event of supply problems, or during long trips, having extra fuel provides peace of mind and more flexibility in deciding where to refuel. It's also a good strategy during peak traffic periods or holidays, when roads tend to be congested and finding an available station can take longer than expected. Check prices before filling up. Today, it's very easy to compare prices without leaving your phone. Specialized apps and websites allow you to see how much gasoline costs at different nearby stations. In many cases, gas stations located away from main highways or city centers tend to offer more competitive prices. Some travel centers or wholesale stores may also have lower rates.

Reduce unnecessary trips

Combining errands into a single trip is a simple strategy that works. If you can postpone some outings or combine them into one route, your overall fuel consumption decreases.

This type of organization not only saves fuel, but also reduces vehicle wear and tear and the time spent behind the wheel.

Respect speed limits

Speed ????has a direct impact on fuel consumption. In tests conducted with a Nissan Altima and a Toyota RAV4, fuel consumption was measured at 55, 65, and 75 miles per hour.

Reducing speed from 65 to 55 miles per hour improved efficiency by 6 miles per gallon in the Altima and by 8 miles per gallon in the RAV4. In contrast, increasing from 65 to 75 miles per hour resulted in a loss of nearly 7 miles per gallon in the Altima and 6 in the RAV4.

Besides fuel consumption, respecting speed limits also improves safety.

Drive smoothly

Harsh acceleration and constant braking force the engine to work harder than necessary. In tests with an older Toyota Camry, this type of driving reduced fuel economy by 2 to 3 miles per gallon.

Maintaining a constant speed and anticipating traffic saves fuel and also extends the life of components such as brakes, transmission, and tires.

Consider the car's aerodynamics

Air also plays a role. At highway speeds, more than half of the engine's power is used to overcome wind resistance.

Carrying items on the roof increases that resistance. In tests conducted with a Nissan Altima and a Toyota RAV4, carrying two bicycles on the roof significantly reduced fuel efficiency. The Altima's fuel economy dropped from 46 to 33 miles per gallon, while the RAV4's fell from 39 to 32. Even an empty roof rack can affect fuel consumption, so it's best to remove it when not in use. Opt for good quality gasoline. Many brands offer fuels that meet the standard known as Top Tier, designed to keep the engine cleaner thanks to a higher content of detergent additives. Using good quality gasoline can help prevent the buildup of deposits in the engine and maintain its performance in good condition over the long term. Avoid premium gasoline if it's not necessary. Many cars run perfectly well on regular gasoline. In some models, the word "recommended" appears for premium fuel, which means it is not mandatory. If the manufacturer indicates that the car can use regular gasoline,Choosing this type of fuel allows you to save money without affecting engine performance.

Check Tire Pressure

Tires naturally lose pressure over time, approximately 1 psi per month. When they are below the recommended pressure, rolling resistance increases, and the engine needs more energy to move the vehicle.

Keeping them inflated to the manufacturer's specifications improves efficiency, safety, and tire life.

Use Air Conditioning Wisely

Air conditioning also consumes fuel. On mild days, driving with the windows open can help reduce fuel consumption slightly.

However, when it is intensely hot,turning on the air conditioning may be the best decision to maintain concentration and drive more comfortably.