Fuel Saving & Economy Driving Techniques

Which driving technique can save fuel?

Q: Which driving technique can save fuel?

Smooth acceleration, changing gears early, maintaining a steady speed, and anticipating traffic ahead are the most effective techniques for saving fuel. Together they can reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% compared to aggressive driving styles.

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Smooth, anticipatory driving is the single most effective technique for saving fuel. Avoiding harsh acceleration and braking, keeping a steady speed, and changing gears early can reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% compared to aggressive driving.

Acceleration and Braking

Accelerate gently: Pressing the accelerator gradually rather than flooring it uses significantly less fuel. The Energy Saving Trust recommends accelerating smoothly and progressively to reach your desired speed. 2

Read the road ahead: Anticipating traffic flow and coasting to a natural stop avoids wasted fuel burned during hard acceleration to recover lost speed. 4

Avoid harsh braking: Every time you brake heavily, the kinetic energy your engine worked to create is lost. Lifting off the accelerator early and braking gently preserves momentum. 3

Speed and Gear Choice

Change up early: Shifting to a higher gear as soon as it is safe to do so keeps engine revs low. The VCA advises changing up at around 2,000 rpm for diesel and 2,500 rpm for petrol engines. 3

Stick to speed limits: Driving at 70 mph uses up to 9% more fuel than at 60 mph, and up to 25% more than at 50 mph. Reducing motorway speed is one of the quickest wins available. 2

Use cruise control on motorways: Maintaining a constant speed on long flat roads reduces unnecessary throttle adjustments, which helps lower overall fuel use. 4

Engine and Idle Management

Avoid unnecessary idling: Leaving your engine running while stationary uses fuel without moving you anywhere. Switch off if you expect to wait more than a minute or two. 3

Turn off air conditioning when not needed: Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by around 10% in city driving. Open windows at lower speeds instead. 2

Plan your journey: Combining short trips into one journey and avoiding peak congestion times reduces stop-start driving, which is the most fuel-intensive type of driving. 4

Make Your Savings Go Further

Better technique, cheaper fuel: Improving your driving style reduces how often you need to fill up, and finding the cheapest station nearby cuts the cost of every litre you do buy.

Compare live prices near you: CheckFuelPrices tracks live petrol and diesel prices at over 4,000 UK stations, updated every 30 minutes, so you always fill up at the best price available. 1