Hints and Tips for Saving Fuel

Finding the cheapest fuel is one half of saving money. Using less of it is the other. These tips come from the Energy Saving Trust and IAM RoadSmart, and where they give a figure, we quote it.

1. Ease off the speed. At 75mph a car uses around 18% more fuel than at 60mph (Energy Saving Trust). IAM RoadSmart says driving below the 70mph limit can cut fuel use by up to 25%.
2. Drive smoothly. Look well ahead, keep a bigger gap to the car in front, and lift off the accelerator early when you need to slow down, rather than braking late.
3. Change up early. The Energy Saving Trust suggests changing up a gear at around 2,000rpm when you're accelerating.
4. Check your tyre pressures. Under-inflated tyres use more fuel. Check them at least once a month and before long journeys.
5. Take off roof boxes and racks. They add drag, which costs fuel, even when they're empty. Remove them when you're not using them.
6. Windows or air conditioning? Air conditioning can increase fuel use by as much as 5%, according to the Energy Saving Trust, which says opening a window is more fuel-efficient, even at higher speeds.
7. Switch off when you're stopped. If you'll be stationary for more than a minute or so, switch the engine off (unless your car does it for you).
8. Lose the extra weight. Heavy items you don't need on this trip mean more fuel to carry them.
9. Combine short trips. One round trip uses less fuel than several cold starts, even over the same distance (IAM RoadSmart).
10. Avoid the rush hour where you can. Stop-start traffic in low gears uses a lot of fuel (IAM RoadSmart).
11. Fill up where it's cheapest. Prices for the same fuel vary by many pence a litre within a few miles. Find the cheapest fuel near you.

Sources: Energy Saving Trust, "Efficient driving" (updated 18 June 2026); IAM RoadSmart, "Fuel saving tips to combat rising petrol prices" (7 May 2024).