With UK fuel prices exceeding 155p per litre for petrol and 185p for diesel in 2026, improving your fuel economy can save you hundreds of pounds a year. Here are 15 proven ways to get more miles from every tank.
Driving Style
1. Slow Down
Dropping from 70mph to 60mph on the motorway can improve fuel economy by up to 15%. The faster you go, the more fuel you burn fighting air resistance.
2. Accelerate Gently
Aggressive acceleration burns significantly more fuel. Aim to build speed gradually and smoothly rather than flooring the throttle.
3. Read the Road Ahead
Look well ahead for traffic lights, roundabouts and queues. Lifting off the accelerator early and coasting in gear uses virtually no fuel, whereas braking hard and then accelerating again wastes energy.
4. Use the Highest Gear Possible
The faster your engine spins, the more fuel it uses. Change up early and drive in the highest comfortable gear. Most modern cars are designed to run efficiently at low RPM.
5. Avoid Excessive Idling
If you're stopped for more than a minute, switch off the engine. Modern engines don't need warming up — just drive gently for the first few minutes.
Vehicle Maintenance
6. Check Tyre Pressures Regularly
Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and fuel consumption by up to 10%. Check pressures at least monthly and before long journeys. Use our tyre check to find the correct pressures for your car.
7. Keep Up with Servicing
A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Dirty air filters, old spark plugs and degraded oil all reduce fuel economy. Regular servicing pays for itself in fuel savings.
8. Use the Correct Oil
Using the manufacturer's recommended engine oil grade reduces internal friction and improves efficiency. The wrong oil can increase fuel consumption by 1–2%.
Reduce Weight and Drag
9. Remove Roof Bars and Boxes
An empty roof rack increases fuel consumption by up to 10% due to aerodynamic drag. Remove them when not in use.
10. Clear Out the Boot
Extra weight means extra fuel. Remove anything you don't need from the boot and back seats. Every 50kg of unnecessary weight increases consumption by about 1–2%.
11. Close the Windows at Speed
Open windows create drag. Below 30mph, open windows are more efficient than air conditioning. Above 45mph, close the windows and use the A/C on a low setting instead.
Planning and Habits
12. Plan Your Route
Shorter routes aren't always the most fuel-efficient. Motorways are often more economical than stop-start urban roads, even if the distance is slightly longer.
13. Combine Short Trips
A cold engine uses significantly more fuel. Combining multiple short trips into one journey means the engine stays warm and runs more efficiently throughout.
14. Shop Around for Fuel
Fuel prices can vary by 20p per litre between stations just a few miles apart. Supermarket stations typically offer the best prices. Use a price comparison app to find the cheapest fuel nearby.
15. Use Cruise Control on Motorways
Maintaining a constant speed is more efficient than the natural speed variations of manual throttle control. Use cruise control on flat motorways for the best results.
Track Your Running Costs
Run a free car check to see your car's official fuel economy figures, CO2 emissions and annual fuel cost estimates. Knowing your baseline helps you measure improvements.