With petrol averaging — per litre in the United Kingdom this week, finding ways to cut your fuel spend has never been more important. Based on an average driver covering 8,000 miles per year in a car achieving 45 MPG, you could save £300-£800 per year by implementing just a handful of these strategies.
1. Drive Smoothly
Aggressive acceleration and hard braking can increase fuel consumption by up to 30% on urban roads. Anticipate traffic flow and accelerate gently. Maintain a steady speed — cruise control on motorways can save up to 15% on long journeys.
2. Check Your Tyres
Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, reducing fuel economy by up to 3%. Check tyre pressures monthly and before long journeys. The correct pressures are in your vehicle handbook or on a sticker inside the fuel filler flap.
3. Remove Roof Racks
A roof rack or roof box increases aerodynamic drag, adding 5-15% to fuel consumption at motorway speeds. Remove them when not in use. Even empty roof racks have a measurable impact.
4. Use the Right Fuel
Unless your vehicle specifically requires premium fuel, standard unleaded is perfectly adequate. Premium fuels offer negligible benefits for most modern cars and cost 10-15p per litre more. Check your owner's manual.
5. Shop Around for Fuel
Supermarket forecourts typically offer the lowest prices. Apps like PetrolPrices and RAC Fuel Price Finder show real-time prices at nearby stations. Prices can vary by up to 10p per litre within the same town.
6. Avoid Motorway Services
Fuel on motorway services can cost 10-15p per litre more than supermarket stations nearby. Plan your refuelling stops around junctions rather than at services. Apps like Waze can show fuel prices near motorway exits.
7. Reduce Weight
Every extra 50kg in your vehicle increases fuel consumption by approximately 1%. Clear out your boot — remove sports equipment, tools, and heavy items you don't need for your journey. Winter is particularly important — clear snow and ice rather than carrying extra weight.
8. Service Your Car Regularly
A well-serviced engine runs efficiently. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug changes maintain optimal fuel economy. A clogged air filter alone can increase consumption by 10%.
9. Use E10 or Consider LPG
E10 petrol (containing up to 10% bioethanol) is now the standard grade and is slightly cheaper than E5. For high-mileage drivers, converting to LPG can save 40-50% on fuel costs. See our LPG prices page for current rates.
10. Plan Your Journeys
Combine multiple short trips into one longer journey. Cold starts use significantly more fuel. A warm engine is up to 25% more efficient. Use satnav to avoid traffic and choose the most fuel-efficient route.
11. Use Air Conditioning Wisely
At low speeds, open windows are more efficient. Above 50 mph, air conditioning is more efficient than open windows which create significant drag. Use recirculation mode to cool the cabin faster and reduce load on the compressor.
12. Consider Car Sharing
Sharing commutes splits fuel costs. Apps like Liftshare connect drivers with passengers making similar journeys. Even one shared commute per week can save over £200 per year.
13. Switch to a More Efficient Vehicle
If you're due a car upgrade, consider hybrid or electric vehicles. Even a mild hybrid can improve economy by 15-20%. Use our fuel cost calculator to compare running costs.
14. Track Your Spending
Monitor your fuel economy (MPG) over time. A sudden drop in MPG often indicates a mechanical problem before it becomes expensive. Most modern cars display real-time MPG — use it as an early warning system.
15. Fill Up at the Right Time
Fuel prices often change weekly, typically rising on Mondays and Tuesdays. Fill up on weekends or early in the week when prices are lowest. Monitor the news for tax changes or supply disruptions that might push prices up.
For more advice, see our fuel price blog and petrol price tracker.