How to use less fuel and cut driving costs

Small changes can make a difference to both your fuel costs and the environment.  

To use less fuel: 

• drive smoothly and avoid harsh breaking

• reduce your speed 

• check your tyre pressure regularly

• remove unnecessary weight from your vehicle 

• combine errands into fewer journeys

• compare fuel prices before filling up. 

Fuel prices can vary significantly, even between petrol stations that are only a few miles apart. If you need to top up the tank, look up fuel prices before you set out, so you can avoid paying more than you need to.

But do not waste fuel chasing a bargain, only divert if the saving is worth the extra miles. This usually means you should avoid driving more than 2 miles (round-trip) for 1p per litre saved. To check the maths on a real journey, you can use the RAC’s mileage calculatorOpens in a new window

Supermarket petrol stations are often cheaper than motorway services, which can charge a higher price because there are fewer nearby alternatives. Some small local garages have great rates and loyal customers too. Unless you have a high-performance car, it’s fine to stick to standard fuel. 

If you drive an electric vehicle, use apps like Zapmap to find places to chargeOpens in a new window Consider switching to a dedicated EV energy tariff as these usually give cheap rates for several hours a day. Then plan to charge your car at home during those times. This can be up to 90% cheaper than public charging rates.

Driving smoothly can help you use less fuel and reduce wear and tear on your vehicle. 

Try to:

• accelerate gently to reach the right speed for the road conditions

• leave space between you and the next car

• anticipate what could be ahead or round the corner to avoid having to brake hard at the last minute.

If you drive a manual car, changing into a higher gear when appropriate can help reduce fuel consumption. Driving at high revs uses more fuel, so if you drive a manual, change gears early to ease those transitions.

Listen to your car the faster an engine spins, the more fuel it uses. 

The Energy Saving Trust say you can save 15% in fuel consumption by driving at 50 miles per hour (mph) rather than 70 mph. This can be doubled if you drive an electric vehicle. Just remember to only consider reduced speed where it’s safe and legal to do so.

Aim to avoid stop-start journeys by anticipating traffic, junctions and traffic lights, where possible. Keeping a steady speed where you can, for example on motorways or A-roads, really works. 

Cruise control will help petrol or diesel consumption on a consistent flat surface like a motorway, where it avoids unnecessary acceleration, but it's not the answer for hilly lanes or urban driving.

If you have to wait, say for school pick-up, or for an accident to clear, do you really need to keep the engine running? For very short journeys, could it work to go on foot, by bike or bus instead? You'll be reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality too.

Air conditioning can increase fuel use, so consider whether you need it for the whole journey. If it's hot, opening the windows is more efficient – until your ears tell you that it's time to close up. In a modern car, using the heated seats is better than trying to warm up the whole vehicle.

Out of milk and need to head back to the shops? Try to plan trips so that you pack as many tasks as possible into one journey. This is kinder to your engine as it means fewer cold starts. Warmer engines are more fuel efficient. 

If you can, choose routes that avoid congestion and lots of stop-start driving. Your sat-nav can help, or try out the planning tools from the AAOpens in a new window, the RACOpens in a new window, Google maps and WazeOpens in a new window

Where you've got any flex on timing, travel outside of rush hours so you don't get stuck in traffic. You might also be able to car share or give and take lifts. 

Getting in the habit of giving your car, van or bike regular attention helps keep your costs down. 

Try to: 

• Check your tyres at least once a month and before long journeys.  

• Keep up servicing and routine maintenance such as oil, filters and fluids.

• Deal with any warning lights and mechanical problems early to avoid bigger issues later. 

This is an easy win that many of us miss out on. It may take a few minutes of hassle to remove roof racks or boxes when you're not actually using them, but less drag means more pennies in your pocket.

 Remember to reduce the load by taking heavy items out of your boot too.

Take another look at your budget to see if you can free up any cash. Check our cost-of-living hub for tools, practical ideas and support if you’re on a squeezed income, or our guide on the costs of running a car. 

Finally, see if you’re owed any compensation under mis-sold car finance.