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

Summary

• Smooth driving saves the most fuel: Harsh acceleration and braking waste petrol.
• Tyre pressure matters: Under-inflated tyres increase fuel use by up to 3%.
• Every little helps: Small changes add up to big savings over a year. See our fuel saving tips for more.

With fuel prices staying high, getting more miles per gallon is more important than ever. Here are 15 simple ways to do it.

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Driving Habits

1. Accelerate gently: Pressing the pedal hard uses more fuel. Build speed smoothly.
2. Shift up early: In a manual, change up at around 2,000-2,500 RPM.
3. Read the road ahead: Anticipate traffic lights and roundabouts. Coast to a stop instead of braking late.
4. Use cruise control: On motorways, cruise control keeps a steady speed and saves fuel.
5. Slow down: Driving at 60mph instead of 70mph on the motorway can improve MPG by 10-15%.

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Car Maintenance

6. Check tyre pressure monthly: Under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance. Check them when cold.
7. Keep up with servicing: A well-tuned engine is more efficient. See our servicing guide.
8. Use the right engine oil: The grade recommended in your owner's manual helps the engine run efficiently.
9. Replace the air filter: A dirty air filter restricts airflow and wastes fuel.
10. Fix engine faults quickly: A check engine light often means your car is using more fuel than it should.

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Reduce Weight and Drag

11. Remove roof boxes and racks: They create wind resistance. Take them off when not in use.
12. Clear out your boot: Every extra 50kg reduces fuel economy by about 1-2%.
13. Close your windows at speed: Open windows at motorway speeds create drag and use more fuel.

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Smart Choices

14. Plan your route: Avoid traffic jams and roadworks. Use sat nav for the most efficient route.
15. Combine trips: A warm engine is more efficient than a cold one. Run errands in one trip instead of several.

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How Much Can You Save?

Change	Potential Fuel Saving
Smoother driving	10-15%
Correct tyre pressure	Up to 3%
Removing roof box	5-10% at speed
Driving at 60 instead of 70mph	10-15%
Regular servicing	3-5%

Combined, these changes could save you £300-£500 per year depending on how much you drive.

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Final Thoughts

You do not need a new car to save fuel. Better habits and basic maintenance can make a real difference. Start with the easy wins and build from there.

Compare fuel prices near you with our fuel price finder.

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Does Air Conditioning Use More Fuel?

Yes, but it depends on speed:

• At low speeds: AC uses more fuel than opening windows.
• At motorway speeds: Open windows create drag. AC is more efficient above 40mph.
• The difference: AC typically adds 5–10% to fuel consumption.

In hot weather, use the recirculation setting. It cools the cabin faster and uses less energy.

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