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Saving Money at the Pump: Simple Tips for Rural Drivers

Rapidly rising gasoline and diesel prices quickly strain family and farm budgets.

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Updated:

May 8, 2026

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Driving More Efficiently

After a period of lower gas prices, recent fuel cost spikes are stretching home and farm budgets. Residents in rural areas commute to work nearly double the miles of their urban counterparts (55 vs. 26 miles per day) and on average earn less money per month, according to the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. This means rural workers spend nearly three times as much each month on fuel as urban drivers, affecting their monthly budgets harder. While fuel costs are rising and hard to predict, there are practical things you can do to conserve fuel and lower the impact.

Smart Driving Habits

The biggest change you can make is how you use your right foot – slowing down can have an enormous impact on fuel economy. In fact, every 5 mile per hour (mph) you drive over 60 mph is like adding $.30 cents per gallon to your fuel cost, according to the US Department of Energy. In my experience, the faster I go, the quicker I end up behind a coal truck, tractor, or Amish buggy. Slowing down can reduce stress and save fuel. Try out this US Department of Energy efficiency tool to see the fuel economy impact of slowing down on your specific vehicle.

Do you like to smash the gas pedal when you take off? Slam the brakes so hard at a stop sign you smell something burning? Jackrabbit starts and hard braking can decrease you fuel economy by up to 33%, according to Purdue University. The old racing adage that smooth is fast and fast is smooth can help you use less gas – and your passengers' necks will thank you! Some simple habits you can adopt for increased fuel efficiency include using cruise control on the highway and turning off your engine if you'll be stopped for more than 30 seconds.

Basic Maintenance

Keeping your car in good condition and following the manufacturer's recommendations help save fuel as well. Tires that are in alignment and inflated to the recommended pressure (you can find these pressure numbers on the tire sticker, usually on the driver's side door frame) can improve your fuel economy by 3% or more. Are you carrying around books, lawn chairs, coolers, clothing, or other items you don't need daily? Removing 100 pounds of cargo could gain you an addition 1% in fuel mileage. Changing your oil and filter with the factory-suggested products can yield another 1-2% to your fuel economy. Dust off the owner's manual (or more likely look it up online) and start increasing efficiency.

Planning Your Trips

Try and follow the rule and encourage "trip-chaining". Instead of three separate trips to town during the week, do the grocery store, the feed mill, and the post office in one loop. A warm engine is more efficient than several cold starts. Suggest carpooling with neighbors for school events or church when possible. Instead of hauling one kid to the baseball game in your minivan, offer to take turns with other parents and use all eight seats! To save on your work commute, consider ride sharing. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has several designated park and ride locations you can find via this map.

Now Give It a Try!

Small changes—like slowing down and checking tires—add up to big savings over a month. In a time of rising fuel costs, or even when the price is down, reducing gas consumption makes economic sense – and cents. Why not try just two tips this week, track your mileage, and treat yourself to an ice cream cone with the savings!