Fuel Saving & Economy Tips

How to reduce fuel consumption

Q: How to reduce fuel consumption

Reduce fuel consumption by accelerating smoothly, driving at steady speeds, keeping tyres properly inflated, removing excess weight, and avoiding unnecessary idling. These habits combined can improve fuel economy by 10–30%. Buying fuel at the cheapest local station using a live price comparison tool also reduces your overall costs.

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You can meaningfully reduce fuel consumption by changing how you drive, maintaining your vehicle properly, and buying fuel at the right price. Small adjustments to speed, acceleration, and tyre pressure can collectively improve your fuel economy by 10–30%.

Drive More Smoothly

Accelerate gently: Harsh acceleration is one of the biggest fuel wasters. Accelerating gradually and anticipating traffic ahead so you can ease off the throttle early can cut fuel use significantly. 2

Keep a steady speed: Maintaining a consistent speed reduces fuel consumption compared to repeated braking and accelerating. On motorways, using cruise control where safe helps sustain this. 3

Shift up earlier: Driving in the highest appropriate gear keeps engine revs low. For petrol cars, shifting up before 2,500 rpm and for diesel before 2,000 rpm is more efficient. 3

Slow down on the motorway: Driving at 70 mph uses up to 9% more fuel than 60 mph, and up to 25% more than 50 mph. Reducing motorway speed is one of the fastest gains available. 4

Maintain Your Vehicle

Check tyre pressure regularly: Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and can raise fuel consumption by up to 3%. Check pressures monthly and before long journeys using the manufacturer's recommended values. 2

Remove unnecessary weight: Every extra 50 kg reduces fuel economy by around 1–2%. Clear roof racks, roof boxes, and heavy items from the boot when not in use. 4

Switch off air conditioning when not needed: Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by up to 10% in city driving. Open windows at lower speeds instead, and use A/C only when necessary. 3

Plan Smarter Journeys

Combine short trips: Cold engines use significantly more fuel. Combining several short trips into one journey means the engine stays warm and operates more efficiently throughout. 2

Avoid idling: Idling burns fuel at zero miles per gallon. Switch off the engine if you expect to be stationary for more than a minute or two. 4

Pay Less Per Litre

Price varies widely between stations: Even within the same town, petrol and diesel prices can differ by 5–10p per litre between stations. Over a full tank that is a meaningful saving. 1

Find the cheapest station near you: CheckFuelPrices shows live prices updated every 30 minutes at over 4,000 UK stations, including supermarkets and independents, so you can fill up where it costs least. 1