11 Tips to Help Improve Your Fuel Consumption

Fuel prices are unpredictable, and the cost of filling up often feels like a significant burden. However, with some simple changes to your driving habits and vehicle maintenance routine, you can make your fuel go further. Let’s explore practical and effective tips to help you improve fuel consumption and keep more money in your pocket.

1. Maintain Proper Tyre Pressure

Tyre pressure plays a vital role in fuel efficiency. Underinflated tyres create more rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and burn more fuel to maintain speed. Overinflated tyres, on the other hand, reduce traction and increase uneven tyre wear. Regularly checking and maintaining the correct tyre pressure ensures optimal contact with the road, improving both fuel efficiency and safety. Always check your tyre pressure before long journeys and as specified in your car’s manual.


2. Lighten Your Load

Extra weight in your car requires more energy from the engine to move, which increases fuel consumption. For every 50kg of extra weight, your car’s fuel consumption can rise by approximately 2%. Additionally, roof racks and roof boxes create aerodynamic drag, making your car less fuel-efficient, especially at higher speeds. By removing unnecessary items and unused roof attachments, you’ll reduce the load and drag, improving fuel economy and overall performance.


3. Use Air Conditioning Sparingly

Air conditioning systems are powered by your car’s engine, which means they use additional fuel to operate. The compressor that powers the air conditioning system increases the engine’s workload, resulting in higher fuel consumption—up to 10% more in some cases. To save fuel, use air conditioning only when necessary, and once the cabin is cooled, reduce the fan speed or turn it off entirely.


4. Maintain a Steady Speed

Frequent speed changes force your engine to consume more fuel. Accelerating requires significant energy, while sudden braking wastes the momentum you’ve built. Maintaining a steady speed reduces these inefficiencies. Cruise control can help on flat, straight roads, such as motorways, by preventing unnecessary acceleration. Additionally, avoiding high speeds reduces air resistance, which becomes a significant factor at speeds over 50 mph.


5. Accelerate and Brake Smoothly

Hard acceleration and abrupt braking consume more fuel because your engine has to work harder to meet the sudden demands. Gradual acceleration keeps the engine operating within its most efficient range, while gentle braking helps maintain momentum. Smooth driving reduces wear and tear on your vehicle and ensures a more fuel-efficient journey.

Gear Stick

6. Use Gears Effectively

Driving in the wrong gear can lead to inefficient fuel usage. Lower gears are meant for acceleration and climbing, but staying in a low gear at higher speeds makes your engine rev unnecessarily, burning more fuel. For petrol engines, shifting gears between 1,500 and 2,500 RPM optimises fuel efficiency. Diesel engines are most efficient between 1,300 and 2,000 RPM. Using the right gear keeps your engine within its optimal range, improving efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.


7. Keep Your Car Well-Maintained

A poorly maintained car consumes more fuel due to inefficiencies in the engine, air filters, or other components. For example, clogged air filters reduce airflow to the engine, causing it to work harder. Misaligned wheels increase rolling resistance, further reducing efficiency. Regular servicing ensures that your car is running optimally, with clean filters, properly lubricated components, and correctly aligned wheels—all of which contribute to better fuel economy.


8. Minimise Idling Time

When your engine is idling, it’s burning fuel without moving the car, effectively achieving zero miles per gallon. This is especially wasteful during long waits, such as when defrosting your car or waiting to pick someone up. Modern cars with stop-start technology address this by automatically switching off the engine when the vehicle is stationary. By minimising idling, you save fuel and reduce unnecessary emissions.


9. Avoid Coasting in Neutral

Many drivers believe coasting in neutral saves fuel, but modern fuel injection systems are designed to stop injecting fuel when the car is in gear and the accelerator isn’t pressed. Coasting in neutral, on the other hand, disengages the driveline, requiring the engine to burn fuel to keep running. Staying in gear when going downhill or approaching a stop is not only more fuel-efficient but also provides better control and safety.


10. Combine Your Journeys

Cold engines operate less efficiently because they require more fuel to reach their optimal temperature. By combining multiple short trips into a single journey, you allow the engine to stay warm and operate efficiently for longer. For instance, plan your errands to reduce the number of times you start your car from cold, saving both time and fuel.


11. Consider a Hybrid Vehicle

Hybrid vehicles are designed to use electric power alongside traditional fuel, significantly improving fuel economy. Plug-in hybrids, in particular, allow you to cover short distances entirely on electric power, further reducing fuel usage. With many affordable hybrid models now available, upgrading to a hybrid vehicle can be a cost-effective way to reduce your fuel consumption in the long term.


Improving your fuel consumption doesn’t require drastic changes; small adjustments to your driving habits and car maintenance can make a big difference. By following these tips, you’ll not only save money but also reduce your environmental impact. Happy driving!


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