Overlooked Habits Costing Drivers at the Pump and the Plug

Nexen Tire America highlights lesser-known ways motorists can improve efficiency, from tire performance to everyday driving behavior

RICHFIELD, Ohio (April 1, 2026) – With elevated energy and fuel prices remaining a pressure point for everyday drivers, more Americans are taking a closer look at how their habits behind the wheel affect what they spend. From adjusting driving habits, making fewer trips or prioritizing vehicle efficiency, even small changes can make a meaningful difference at the pump or charging station.

While many motorists focus on obvious habits like slowing down, experts say lesser-known variables such as tire selection and performance, route choice, and even mounted equipment can quietly impact efficiency in meaningful ways.

Nexen Tire America, a leading tire manufacturer, is sharing a few lesser-known ways drivers can get more out of every mile.

1. Start with the Right Tires and Keep Them Inflated – It’s easy to overlook the role that tires play in overall vehicle efficiency. Rolling resistance, or the energy required to keep a tire moving, can account for a significant portion of total energy or fuel consumption. Tires engineered to reduce this resistance can help improve fuel economy in traditional vehicles and extend range in EVs. Proper maintenance is equally important. Even slightly underinflated tires can increase drag, forcing vehicles to consume more fuel or battery power. Alignment issues, which may go unnoticed during everyday driving, can also create subtle resistance that adds up over time. For drivers looking to optimize efficiency, Nexen Tire’s N’Priz S Grand Touring All-Season is engineered to help reduce rolling resistance while maintaining comfort and control.
2. Remove Unnecessary Mounted Equipment – Beyond tires, other external factors can also influence how efficiently a vehicle drives on the road. Roof racks, cargo carriers, and even open windows at highway speeds can increase aerodynamic drag, reducing fuel economy and EV range. Even driving with windows open at higher speeds can reduce efficiency more than using air conditioning.
3. Be Conscious of Driving Habits – Sometimes it’s better to go the long way. In many cases, slightly longer routes with fewer stops can be more efficient than shorter, stop-and-go drives. Smooth acceleration and gradual braking also helps conserve energy. Coasting to a stop rather than braking at the last moment helps preserve momentum and, in EVs, improves regenerative braking performance.
4. Precondition cabins and maximize regen braking – Electric vehicle drivers have a unique set of considerations that influence efficiency. Climate control systems can draw significant energy and reduce range. Pre-conditioning the cabin while the vehicle is still plugged in can help reduce battery drain during trips. As with smooth braking, drivers who ease off the accelerator earlier can maximize energy recovery through regenerative braking.

“There are several opportunities to improve efficiency that aren’t immediately visible to drivers,” said Aaron Neumann, Head of the Nexen Tire America Tech Center. “From tire design and maintenance to subtle driving habits, these factors work together to influence how much energy a vehicle uses. By paying attention to the details, drivers can take meaningful steps toward reducing costs and getting more out of every mile.”

For more information about Nexen Tire’s performance tire options or to set up an interview with a Nexen Tire America representative, please contact media@nexentireusa.com or call (310) 374-6177.