The term “mpg” refers to how many miles a vehicle can travel per gallon of fuel consumed.

The US Environmental Protection Agency assigns mpg ratings to every new car and truck that rolls off the assembly line, with city, highway, and combined numbers. 

With its frequent starts and stops, city driving consumes the highest amount of fuel. When accelerating from a stop, the engine endures heavier loads and needs more gasoline. 

But highway speeds and driving with cruise control are the opposite, with the engine purring along at low RPM, sipping gasoline, and maximizing fuel economy. 

The EPA combined mpg rating is an average of city and highway and represents a vehicle's median fuel economy during varying driving conditions.

The definition of good mpg depends on how you look at it. A particular driver's idea of good fuel economy may differ significantly from another's, depending on their needs and driving style.

While an aerodynamic plug-in hybrid vehicle may attain 50 mpg during mixed driving, it can't carry the heavy loads or traverse off-road conditions like a pickup truck that uses more than twice as much fuel.

But whichever type of car you have, you can achieve better fuel economy day to day by taking simple steps and paying close attention to how you drive. 

When you're searching the pre-owned market for a fuel-efficient truck, finding one in excellent condition can be a hassle. While an advertisement might look nice, what if a used truck is hiding mechanical issues? Shift takes the worry out of purchasing your next vehicle. Shift's certified mechanics perform extensive 150-point inspections on every car and have complete vehicle history reports, so you know your used car feels as good as new.

Shift's website has a large selection of fully inspected cars located across the country that are ready to go. The website is user-friendly, and you'll be able to find various makes and models to suit your needs and budget. With Shift's expertise and experience selling used cars, you can rest assured your used car purchase will be good to go from the moment you take delivery.

Want to take a test drive before you buy? If you live in one of Shift's many service areas, a concierge will drive to you, letting you get a feel for the performance before signing the papers.

Several tried and true gas-saving methods are available no matter what type of vehicle you drive.

Driving habits can influence fuel economy by 15-30%, depending on the make and model. Steady, even acceleration, without going heavy on the gas pedal, helps you get better gas mileage. 

Driving slower, especially below 50 mph, can also significantly affect mpg. And while the most fuel-efficient speed varies among makes and models, going over the speed limit can decrease fuel economy by 7-14%. 

Letting your car's engine idle not only consumes extra gasoline but also emits 80 percent more emissions than when driving. An idling vehicle can burn up to a gallon of gas per hour.

One way to avoid that is by driving a car with stop/start technology that automatically shuts down at a traffic light. Or, in a regular vehicle, the California Energy Commission (CEC) recommends turning off an idling car after 10 seconds. 

Keeping your tires inflated to the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure brings many benefits, including fuel economy. Not only does it lessen rolling resistance and maximize gas mileage, but the correct air pressure in tires also helps them wear evenly and increases traction. 

Regularly replacing your car's spark plugs is another way to improve fuel economy. If you notice a sudden decrease in mpg, it could be misfiring spark plugs. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence notes that malfunctioning spark plugs can cause a 30% decrease in gas mileage.

Visiting a service facility from time to time for a balance and alignment helps your wheels turn smoothly and efficiently down the road. A vehicle that's out of alignment impedes the rolling action of the tires and may lessen mpg by 10 percent. A misaligned suspension also causes uneven treadwear, causing your tires to wear out quicker and have less grip.

While pickup trucks offer an excellent combination of utility, looks, and off-road ability, they tend to have lower fuel economy.

You can improve a truck's miles per gallon using many of the same methods as cars, like correctly inflated tires, gentle acceleration, and slow and steady speeds. 

But there are a few others specific to trucks that are also worth considering.

Unless you frequently drive off-road, all-terrain tires are a better all-around choice than aggressive mud-terrain tires. Not only will they help gas mileage, but they'll also provide a quieter ride and improved on-road handling.

Using the recommended grade of gasoline for your truck has the potential to save you many dollars and cents over time. When it's not required, spending extra money on premium, high-octane gasoline provides no benefit and only increases your fuel costs. 

Driving the tailgate in the down position doesn't help aerodynamic drag or improve fuel economy. Automakers perform wind tunnel tests on trucks with the tailgate up, and driving with it unlatched increases both wind resistance and fuel consumption. 

Driving a fuel-efficient vehicle can save you money over the long haul. Whether running errands in a car or taking a road trip in a minivan, good fuel economy lowers your expenses and keeps extra cash in your bank account. But when you purchase a fuel-efficient used vehicle, how can you know if it'll stand the test of time? With Shift's best-in-industry service contracts, you get peace of mind no matter where you drive.

‍Shift Vehicle Protection plans cover essential components and offer roadside assistance if you run into trouble on the road. Wherever you happen to be in the continental US, Alaska, Hawaii, or Canada, help is just a toll-free phone call away, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.