Top Tips to Save on Fuel: Easy Ways to Cut Petrol & Diesel Costs

1. Use the Correct Engine Oil

Regular vehicle maintenance can help improve fuel economy.

Using the correct specification of engine oil recommended by your vehicle manufacturer helps your engine run efficiently and can reduce unnecessary fuel consumption.

Always check your vehicle handbook or consult a qualified mechanic if you’re unsure which oil your vehicle requires.

2. Check Your Tyre Pressures Regularly

Under-inflated tyres create greater rolling resistance, meaning your engine has to work harder and use more fuel.

Regularly checking tyre pressures can:

• Improve fuel economy
• Reduce tyre wear
• Improve vehicle handling
• Increase road safety

It’s particularly important to check tyre pressures before long journeys. Under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption and compromise vehicle safety.

3. Reduce Unnecessary Weight

The heavier your vehicle, the more fuel it uses.

Take a few minutes to remove unnecessary items from your boot or vehicle interior, especially if they are not needed for your journey.

Extra weight means the engine must work harder, increasing fuel consumption and operating costs.

4. Remove Roof Racks and Roof Boxes When Not Needed

Roof racks and roof boxes increase aerodynamic drag, making your vehicle less fuel-efficient.

If you’re not using them:

• Remove roof racks
• Remove roof boxes
• Avoid carrying unnecessary external loads

Reducing wind resistance can improve fuel economy, particularly on longer journeys and at higher speeds.

5. Drive Smoothly

One of the easiest ways to save fuel is to adopt a smoother driving style.

Try to:

• Accelerate gently
• Anticipate traffic conditions
• Avoid harsh braking
• Maintain a steady speed

The less you accelerate and brake unnecessarily, the less fuel your vehicle will consume.

6. Take It Easy Over Speed Bumps

Repeated braking and accelerating between speed bumps can significantly increase fuel usage.

Instead:

• Slow down gradually
• Maintain a steady speed where appropriate
• Avoid frequent harsh acceleration

Driving smoothly at around 15-20mph through traffic-calming areas is generally more fuel-efficient than repeatedly speeding up and slowing down.

7. Change Gears Earlier

Driving in the correct gear can help reduce fuel consumption.

As a general guide:

• Diesel vehicles: change up at around 2,000rpm
• Petrol vehicles: change up at around 2,500rpm

Avoid over-revving the engine where possible, while ensuring you don’t allow the engine to labour.

8. Limit Air Conditioning Use

Air conditioning places additional load on your engine, particularly during lower-speed driving.

To improve fuel economy:

• Use air conditioning only when necessary
• Turn it off when conditions allow
• Avoid leaving it running continuously

However, it’s still advisable to run your air conditioning system occasionally throughout the year to help maintain the system.

9. Stick to the Speed Limit

Speed has a significant impact on fuel consumption.

As speed increases, aerodynamic resistance rises sharply, meaning your engine requires more fuel to maintain speed.

Driving within the speed limit not only improves road safety but can also help reduce fuel costs.

10. Find Your Most Efficient Cruising Speed

According to the Energy Saving Trust, many vehicles achieve their best fuel economy when travelling between 55mph and 65mph.

Driving faster than this can rapidly reduce fuel efficiency and increase fuel costs.

Maintaining a steady speed where safe and appropriate can help maximise fuel economy on longer journeys.

Save Fuel, Save Money and Drive Safely

Reducing fuel consumption isn’t just good for your wallet. It can also help reduce vehicle wear and contribute to safer driving habits.

Simple steps such as checking tyre pressures, reducing unnecessary weight, planning journeys, and driving smoothly can all help lower your fuel bills over time.

A little effort can go a long way when it comes to saving money at the pump.