If you’re looking for a new car, then most likely mileage is one of the top items on your checklist. Getting MPGs is one thing, but knowing how to get 
them can help you shop, too. Here we cover what technologies to look for in your new engine to get the most from your fuel.
Direct Fuel Injection
Maximum Boost: 3%
In older engines, fuel was mixed with air before it even entered the cylinder chamber. This is what led to “knocking.” With direct injection, fuel is better regulated and sprayed into the cylinder before air is introduced. This means that when the fuel combusts, it has higher force and uses less fuel at the same time.
Turbo and Supercharging
Maximum Boost: 6%
In order for the fuel to fire, it needs oxygen. Typical engines have air intake valves to make this happen, but turbochargers force more air into the cylinder, which creates a bigger boost from the same amount of fuel. As a result, an engine has more power without just adding more gas.
Cylinder Management
Maximum Boost: 10%
More recently, engines have developed to the point that individual cylinders can be “turned off.” Conventional engines have all cylinders firing at the same rate, but driving on the highway doesn’t require the same power as going up a steep hill. This technology allows a V6 to temporarily become a four-cylinder.
Variable Valve Timing
Maximum Boost: 11%
One of the most common technologies in today’s engines, this works largely the same way as with the cylinders. Instead of lifting and lowering the valves that control airflow into the engine in a fixed way, these valves can tailor their work to the power needed by the engine.
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