When I need to go somewhere, I set the destination and tap Start without questioning whether Google Maps' route is the best one. Using it on autopilot cost me something important, and it wasn’t until I dug into Maps settings to choose the right engine type that I finally improved my trips.

Setting my engine type to Gas gives Google Maps a better idea of which fuel-efficient route is better for me. That detail is important because the path that saves fuel for a gas car isn’t necessarily the same one that works best for a diesel, hybrid, or EV.

You can choose your car's engine type under Engine type in Google Maps. Maps also looks at data such as traffic and road conditions, so the fuel-efficient route doesn’t automatically mean a slower one.

If you switch between cars, double-check the Engine type before you start your trip so Maps is using the right setting for the car you're actually driving.

I got a pretty clear example when I checked a route between Century Plaza and Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Maps gave me a 15-minute, 3.2-mile route and estimated that it could save me 8% on gas. Maps still labeled it the Fastest alternative despite the usual traffic.

Google Maps wasn’t sending me down a slower or more complicated route just to save some gas . The option with the green leaf was already the fastest one, so I can see myself paying more attention to it from now on.

Source link