How to Improve Your Car's Fuel Economy: 15 Proven Tips

Summary

• Driving style matters most: Smooth acceleration and gentle braking can improve MPG by up to 30%.
• Maintenance saves fuel: Correct tyre pressure alone can save you £100 a year.
• Use our fuel finder to find the cheapest petrol or diesel near you.

Fuel is one of the biggest costs of owning a car. But you can cut your fuel bill without changing your car.

These 15 tips are proven to work. Some save a few pence per trip. Others save hundreds per year. Let's get started.

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Change Your Driving Habits

How you drive has the biggest impact on fuel use. These changes cost nothing and work straight away.

1. Accelerate gently: Don't stamp on the throttle. Build speed slowly and smoothly.
2. Read the road ahead: Look ahead so you can slow down early. Coasting saves more fuel than hard braking.
3. Use the highest gear you can: Higher gears use less fuel. Change up early without labouring the engine.
4. Stick to the speed limit: Driving at 70 mph uses up to 25% more fuel than 50 mph.
5. Avoid idling: Turn the engine off if you'll be stopped for more than 30 seconds.

Fact: The Energy Saving Trust says eco-driving techniques can improve fuel economy by 15-30%. That could save £200-£400 a year.

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Check Your Tyre Pressure

Under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance. This makes your engine work harder and burn more fuel.

Check your tyre pressure at least once a month. The correct pressure is on a sticker inside your driver's door or in your owner's manual.

Just 10 psi below the correct pressure can increase fuel use by 2-3%. Keep them properly inflated and you'll save money every time you drive.

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Reduce Weight and Drag

Your car burns more fuel carrying extra weight. And roof boxes or bike racks increase wind resistance.

• Clear out the boot: Remove anything you don't need for that journey.
• Remove roof racks: Take them off when you're not using them. A roof rack can increase fuel use by 10%.
• Close the windows: Open windows at speed create drag. Use the air vents instead above 40 mph.

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Keep Your Car Serviced

A well-maintained car runs more efficiently. Dirty air filters, old spark plugs, and low oil all increase fuel use.

1. Change the air filter: A clogged filter starves the engine of air. Replacement costs around £15-£30.
2. Use the right oil: The correct grade of oil reduces friction. Check your handbook for the right type.
3. Get a regular service: An annual service keeps everything running smoothly. Read our servicing guide for more.

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Plan Your Journeys

Smart planning can cut your fuel use without changing how you drive.

• Combine trips: Do all your errands in one go. A warm engine is more efficient than a cold one.
• Avoid rush hour: Sitting in traffic wastes fuel. If you can travel off-peak, do it.
• Use sat nav: Follow the most efficient route, not just the shortest. Many sat navs have an eco-route option.
• Find cheap fuel: Prices vary hugely between stations. Our fuel finder shows you the cheapest options nearby.

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Air Con and Electrics

Air conditioning uses engine power. This means more fuel. But it's not always best to turn it off.

Below 40 mph, open the windows instead of using air con. Above 40 mph, the drag from open windows uses more fuel than the air con.

Other electrical systems also use fuel. Heated seats, heated windscreens, and phone chargers all draw power from the engine. Use them when you need them, but turn them off when you don't.

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Choose the Right Fuel

Premium fuel (super unleaded) costs more but doesn't improve fuel economy in most cars. Unless your car specifically needs it, stick with standard unleaded or diesel.

E10 petrol is now the standard in the UK. It contains 10% ethanol. Some older cars may get slightly worse MPG with E10. Check if your car is compatible on the gov.uk website.

Read our money-saving fuel tips for more ways to cut costs at the pump.

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Track Your Fuel Economy

You can't improve what you don't measure. Start tracking your MPG to see what works.

Most modern cars show MPG on the dashboard. But these readings aren't always accurate. For a true figure, fill up your tank, reset your trip counter, and divide miles driven by litres used at the next fill-up.

Even small improvements add up over a year. Improving from 40 to 45 mpg could save you over £200 a year on a 12,000-mile commute.

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Better fuel economy means more money in your pocket. Start with one or two of these tips and build from there. Your wallet — and the environment — will thank you.

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