Unlocking Better Fuel Efficiency: A Comprehensive Guide

Feb 6, 2024

When it comes to maximising fuel efficiency, adopting a considered approach to your driving habits and vehicle maintenance can truly make a difference. In this guide we will delve into a range of tips that will help you save on fuel consumption.

1. Drive smoothly

Avoiding acceleration and abrupt braking not only ensures a smoother ride for your passengers but also helps conserve fuel. Accelerate and brake gently and where you can, try to maintain a consistent pace. Your fuel tank and passengers will both thank you.

2. Make the most of cruise control

Motorways provide a great opportunity to make the most of cruise control - engaging this feature will allow you to maintain a consistent driving speed, which minimises the fluctuations associated with manual acceleration. Just set it up and let it work its magic - this is especially impactful on fast roads.

3. Take care of your tyres

Tyres are often overlooked when it comes to fuel efficiency, but they’re actually pretty key. Keeping them properly inflated to their recommended level will ensure fuel-efficient driving. When your tyres are underinflated, your engine will have to work harder, which means you’ll consume more fuel. Check them once a month, first thing in the morning before you take the car out.

When it comes time to replace your tyres, carefully consider your options. There are low rolling resistance tyres out there which are designed to reduce the energy lost as the tyre rolls, enhancing fuel efficiency.

4. Check that engine

The engine is the heart of your vehicle so of course it’s important for fuel efficiency. Keep an eye on your oil level and top it up when needed, as well as replacing the filters. Keeping your engine in tiptop condition will encourage it to gently sip at petrol, rather than chug it down.

5. How much is in the boot?

A heavy car is a car which uses more petrol - every extra item adds to the workload of your vehicle, so make sure you’re only keeping the essentials in your boot and you’ll see improved fuel consumption.

6. Watch your speed

It turns out there is a ‘best’ speed to drive on the motorway and it’s around 50-60mph. Slowing down that little bit can help you see a massive saving on fuel, without disrupting traffic flow or adding too many minutes to your journey.

7. When to use your air-conditioning

When you do hit those high speeds (50mph +), it’s alright to pop the aircon on. Below these speeds, it’s more fuel efficient to open your windows. Both options increase fuel consumption, but making a decision on the basis of your speed is the smart move. When you’re at high speeds, the increased drag from open windows makes the aircon the best choice.

8. Don’t idle

When you’re parked up for more than a minute, it’s worth turning that engine off (if you don’t have an automatic function to do it for you). This is because when you’re sat still, you’re essentially getting zero miles for your fuel consumption. Modern engines are designed to handle restarts without wear and tear and excessive fuel consumption, so this is your best bet.

9. Plan your route

Planning your journeys in advance will help you save on petrol and stress. Map apps, like Google Maps, increasingly integrate fuel-efficient routing - so they’ll send you on the most energy-efficient route when it has roughly the same arrival time as the fastest route. Advanced planning might also help you avoid peak times and the associated traffic as well as allowing you the time to combine errands, minimising overall driving time.

10. Choose the appropriate oil

The type of oil you use will impact your engine's performance - make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on what type to use and how regularly to change it. This will help minimise friction and maximise your overall fuel efficiency.

11. Learn about eco-features

Most modern vehicles already have features in place to help you make the most of your fuel - things such as eco-driving modes, eco-boost and stop-start engines. It’s worth making sure you know what your current car has and looking out for these features in potential new vehicles. These features are now pretty commonplace and available at all price points, from super high-end to more budget-friendly.

To Sum Up:

Driving strategically and taking good care of your vehicle will both prolong its life and improve its fuel consumption. Follow these tips and keep track of the lowest fuel prices in your area and you will find you save on what you pay at the pump. Every little helps!

For more money saving tips, check out our 10 practical ways to start saving on fuel and our rundown of the best fuel loyalty schemes in the UK.