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By Claire Dodds
Life & Trends Reporter
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Practical advice on cutting fuel costs by as much as 30 percent has gained widespread attention online, as drivers look for ways to cope with rising prices at the pump.
A new TikTok video by personal finance expert Martin Lewis, via martinlewismse, focuses on improving auto efficiency through small, everyday changes.
Common Issues
In a clip watched almost 400,000 times in four days, Lewis highlights common issues that can quietly increase gas consumption, including unnecessary weight, poor tire maintenance and aerodynamic drag.
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Among his suggestions, removing unused roof racks is a key step, as they create resistance while driving at higher speeds.
Clearing out heavy items from the trunk can also help, with Lewis noting that every additional 45 kilograms (99 pounds) can reduce fuel efficiency by about one percent.
Keeping tires properly inflated is another factor, as underinflated tires can increase fuel costs by up to four percent.
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Air conditioning and driving style also play a role. Lewis explains that at lower speeds, air conditioning can significantly impact fuel use, while at higher speeds, opening windows can create drag that forces the engine to work harder.
He also describes acceleration as a “money pump” and braking as a “money burner,” emphasizing the importance of smoother driving, anticipating traffic and maintaining a safe distance to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption.
The advice has resonated widely as fuel prices remain elevated.
“The national retail average for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.96 Monday, up from $3.94 Sunday,” according to AAA data cited by 13News Now, which added that prices are, “just over a dollar higher than one month ago.”
The outlet reported that ongoing global oil disruptions linked to conflict in the Middle East have contributed to the increases.
Market volatility continues to shape costs, with prices rising to more than $5 in states like California, as Newsweek reported.
Cost-Saving Strategies
The TikTok video has prompted more than 200 reactions, with viewers offering both support and humor in response to the cost-saving suggestions.
In one cluster of comments, several pundits took a more tongue-in-cheek approach to the advice.
“Basically don’t drive,” one person remarked.
However, a contributor noted that, "servicing your car helps massively."
Another pointed to broader economic factors, writing: “We could save more than that with a tax cut to fuel.”
While some responses were lighthearted, the video’s core message reflects a growing focus on personal cost-saving strategies.
With fuel prices influenced by global supply chains and geopolitical tensions, individual driving habits and vehicle maintenance remain among the few areas drivers can directly control.
Lewis’ guidance suggests that while each adjustment may seem minor, the combined impact can be significant.
Studies referenced in his video indicate that improving both vehicle efficiency and driving behavior can cut fuel costs by between 10 and 30 percent, depending on how the car is used and maintained.
Newsweek has reached out to martinlewismse for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.
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