With fuel prices remaining high and many drivers looking for ways to save, improving fuel economy has become more important than ever. Fortunately, you don’t need to invest in a new car to cut back on petrol use. A few simple changes to your driving habits can make a real difference at the pump. Here are ten clever driving hacks to help you make every litre go further.
1. Keep Your Tyres Properly Inflated
Tyres that are even slightly underinflated can increase rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder and burns more fuel. Check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before long journeys. You can usually find the recommended pressure inside the driver’s door or in your vehicle’s handbook.
2. Lighten the Load
The more weight your car carries, the more fuel it uses. Clear out unnecessary items from the boot and back seats, and only carry what you need. Roof racks, boxes, and bike carriers can also create drag, so remove them when not in use to improve your car’s aerodynamics.
3. Drive Smoothly and Steadily
Sudden acceleration, harsh braking, and erratic speed changes all waste fuel. Try to anticipate traffic flow and keep a steady pace whenever possible. If your car has cruise control, use it on motorways to maintain a constant speed and reduce unnecessary fuel use.
4. Avoid Idling for Too Long
Leaving your engine running while parked or waiting uses more fuel than restarting it. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, it’s better to turn off the engine. This is especially helpful when waiting outside schools, shops, or in traffic jams.
5. Use Air Conditioning Sparingly
Air conditioning can put extra strain on the engine and reduce fuel efficiency, particularly in stop-start traffic. Open the windows when driving at low speeds, and reserve air conditioning for high-speed motorway driving where open windows can increase drag.
6. Plan Your Journeys Wisely
Try to combine errands into a single trip to reduce cold starts and avoid repeated short journeys. Use a sat nav or traffic app to find the quickest route and avoid congestion where possible. This helps reduce time spent idling and improves your overall fuel economy.
7. Stick to the Speed Limit
Driving faster might seem like it saves time, but it comes at a cost. Travelling at 70mph can use up to 9 percent more fuel than driving at 60mph. Most cars are at their most efficient between 50 and 60mph, so staying within the speed limit not only keeps you safer but saves you money too.
8. Use Higher Gears Sooner
Driving in a higher gear reduces engine revs and improves fuel efficiency. Change up as soon as it feels right for your car, and try to avoid letting the engine labour. Staying in lower gears for too long can lead to higher fuel consumption.
9. Don’t Ride the Clutch or Overuse the Brake
Resting your foot on the clutch or braking too often can reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Try to coast gently where it’s safe and legal to do so, and maintain a good distance from the car in front so you can slow down gradually without braking harshly.
10. Keep Your Car Well Maintained
A well-maintained engine runs more smoothly and burns less fuel. Make sure you stay on top of regular servicing, oil changes, and air filter replacements. Faulty spark plugs or clogged filters can have a noticeable impact on fuel consumption.
Final Thoughts
Driving more efficiently doesn’t require drastic changes. Even adopting just a few of these clever habits can lead to meaningful savings over time. Whether you’re trying to stretch your budget or reduce your carbon footprint, a smarter driving approach is a step in the right direction.
Have you got a fuel-saving tip that works for you? Share it in the comments below. And if you found this guide helpful, why not share it with your friends or bookmark it for your next road trip?