That quick burst of acceleration to beat a yellow light can cost more than a few extra seconds of patience. So can cruising well above the speed limit, letting the engine run while parked or treating the trunk like a permanent storage unit. Your driving habits affect fuel economy, and the waste often happens in small, forgettable moments between fill-ups.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that aggressive driving, including rapid acceleration and hard braking, can reduce gas mileage by roughly 15% to 30% at highway speeds. In stop-and-go traffic, the penalty can climb even higher. The frustrating part? Drivers can change many of these habits without buying a gadget, switching cars or driving like a nervous driving-test examiner.
