12 ways to use less fuel
The cheapest litre is the one you don't buy. These habits can noticeably cut how much fuel you use, at no cost.
- Check your tyre pressures once a month. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and wear. The right pressures are in your handbook and often inside the fuel flap or door.
- Drive smoothly. Hard acceleration and late braking waste fuel. Look well ahead and ease off early.
- Slow down a little. Fuel use rises quickly at higher speeds; 70 mph uses noticeably less than 80 mph.
- Change up early in a manual car, and keep revs moderate.
- Take off the roof box or bars when you don't need them. They add drag.
- Clear out the boot. Extra weight costs fuel, especially in town.
- Use air conditioning sensibly. It uses fuel; at low speeds, opening a window can be cheaper, while at motorway speeds air con is usually better than open windows.
- Don't idle. If you're waiting more than a minute, switch off (where it's safe).
- Combine short trips. A cold engine is thirsty; one longer trip beats several short ones.
- Keep the car serviced, with clean filters and the right oil.
- Plan your route to avoid jams and stop-start traffic where you can.
- Buy cheaper fuel, without a long detour. Spotapump shows which forecourt near you is really cheapest once the drive is counted.
Questions
What is the most fuel-efficient speed?
Most cars are most efficient at a steady moderate speed in top gear. Fuel use rises sharply at higher speeds, so driving at 70 mph rather than 80 mph uses noticeably less fuel.
Does air conditioning use more fuel?
Yes, air con uses some fuel. In slow town driving, opening a window can be cheaper; at motorway speeds, air con is usually more efficient than open windows because of drag.