Fuel Saving & Economy
Reduce Consumption
What is fuel consumption?
CheckFuelPrices Editorial
Expert Written • 4 industry sources
Fuel consumption is the amount of fuel a vehicle uses to travel a given distance. In the UK, it is most commonly expressed as miles per gallon (MPG) — the higher the MPG figure, the more efficiently your vehicle uses fuel.
How Fuel Consumption Is Measured
Miles per gallon (MPG):
UK drivers and manufacturers typically quote fuel consumption as MPG. A car achieving 50 MPG uses one imperial gallon (4.55 litres) to travel 50 miles.
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Litres per 100km (L/100km):
European standards express consumption as litres per 100 kilometres — the lower the figure, the better. Both measurements describe the same thing from opposite directions.
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Official vs real-world figures:
Manufacturers test vehicles under standardised WLTP lab conditions. Real-world MPG is typically 10–20% lower due to traffic, driving style, and road conditions.
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What Affects Fuel Consumption
Driving style:
Harsh acceleration and late braking are among the biggest drains on fuel efficiency. Smooth, anticipatory driving can improve MPG by up to 30%.
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Speed:
Fuel consumption rises sharply above 60 mph. Driving at 70 mph uses approximately 9% more fuel than at 60 mph, and up to 15% more than at 50 mph.
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Vehicle load and accessories:
Roof boxes, excess weight, and running the air conditioning all increase fuel consumption. Removing a roof rack when not in use can make a measurable difference.
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Why Fuel Consumption Matters for Running Costs
Direct impact on spend:
A car averaging 40 MPG costs significantly more to run than one achieving 55 MPG over the same annual mileage. Knowing your consumption helps you budget accurately.
Fuel price compounds the effect:
When petrol or diesel prices rise, a less efficient vehicle feels the cost more acutely. Reducing consumption and paying less per litre both cut your fuel bill.
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Reducing What You Spend at the Pump
Improve your driving habits:
Simple changes — gentle acceleration, higher gears earlier, and removing unnecessary weight — can meaningfully improve your real-world MPG.
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Pay less per litre:
Even with efficient driving, the price you pay per litre matters. CheckFuelPrices shows live petrol and diesel prices at 4,000+ UK stations so you can find the cheapest fuel near you.
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Sources
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