10 Practical Ways to Start Saving on Fuel Today

Feb 15, 2024

With fuel prices forever fluctuating (and unfortunately going up more often than down in recent times), it’s incredibly important that you make the most of each visit to the petrol station. Here’s a list of 10 things you can integrate into your daily life which will positively impact your fuel efficiency.

1. Don’t idle

Make sure to turn off that engine if you’re planning to be somewhere for more than a minute. Whether you're waiting for someone to hop in the car or just stopping to check out the cheapest petrol prices nearby, keeping your engine off at these times will save you a good amount of cash in the long run.

2. Cut petrol prices by using cashback and joining reward schemes

There are lots of cashback credit cards out there and some great loyalty schemes from petrol stations and supermarkets. Get up to date on them to see which ones would suit you - then each time you go to fill up, you’ll be saving just a little bit. If you’re using a credit card, make sure to pay the amount back in full each month to avoid unwanted interest.

Take a look at our rundown of the best fuel loyalty schemes in the UK.

3. Plan your route before you set out

Travelling in circles and getting stuck at deadends is not only frustrating, it’s also a big waste of fuel. Use an app like Waze to find the best route - avoiding traffic jams and road works might cut down your journey time and your fuel consumption.

4. Turn off that air conditioning (below 55mph)

We know how tempting it is to whack your air con up in summer, but first think about what speed you’re travelling at. If you’re below 55mph, crack open your windows - it’ll use less fuel than your air con would. If you’re on the motorway and above 55mph, you can use the aircon - opening windows at high speeds causes significant drag which uses more fuel as the car battles it than your air con would.

10 Practical Ways to Start Saving on Fuel Today

5. Consider carpooling

Do you need to jump in the car? If you frequently find yourself doing the same route as friends and coworkers, consider carpooling. It’s relaxing to be a passenger sometimes and you can split the cost between you.

6. Cruise in top gear

If you have an automatic, this is already dealt with for you - for manual drivers, you might have to think more about it. It’s more efficient to be in a higher gear as long as that gear is appropriate to your speed, so consider switching a few mph earlier.

7. Maintain optimal tyre pressure

Underinflated tyres are subject to much greater friction and rolling resistance - this means you’ll burn through fuel way more quickly. Make it a habit to check your tyre pressure once a month - your fuel tank and wallet will thank you.

8. Lighten your load

Any additional weight in the car leads to the engine working harder, which in turn leads to higher fuel consumption - so a clean-out once a month is a good idea.

9. Avoid aggressive driving

Aggressive driving tends to wear out brakes and tyres fast, which means you’ll get through your fuel more quickly. Keep your distance, maintain your speed and brake gently - these little changes will not only create a safer driving environment, but lower fuel consumption too.

10. Perform regular maintenance.

We know it seems expensive to get your car services, but it is likely to be better for it in the long run. Making sure everything is working smoothly is great for your car’s longevity and for your fuel consumption. Indeed, on every journey you take, you’ll save 4% on fuel if your car is in good order. Over the lifespan of the car, this will really add up.

Wrapping It Up

Beyond checking the cheapest petrol prices in your area with Petrol Map, the best thing you can do for your consumption is to take good care of your vehicle and drive sensibly. Using all these tips and tricks together could really help you save.

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