10 Driver Tips to Reduce Fuel Bills
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Find Cheaper Fuel
Visit www.petrolprices.com to find the cheapest fuel in your area. The website lists the most up-to-date prices for nearly 10,000 forecourts. Enter your postcode to locate the cheapest options for unleaded, diesel, LPG, and other fuels near you. -
Keep Your Vehicle in Good Shape
Service your vehicle in line with the manufacturer's recommendations. A regularly serviced car is more fuel-efficient. Use only the recommended fuel and oil for your vehicle to ensure optimal fuel efficiency. Check your handbook for specific service and oil recommendations. -
Don’t Over-Rev Your Engine
Accelerate gradually without over-revving. Speed up smoothly; pressing harder on the accelerator uses more fuel, but you can reach the same speed using less power. As a rule, aim to change up a gear before 2,500 rpm (petrol) or 2,000 rpm (diesel). -
Anticipate Road Conditions
Drive smoothly, avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy braking. This saves fuel and reduces accident rates. Drive off as soon as you start the engine and switch it off if you expect to be stationary for a while. -
Stick to the Speed Limits
The most fuel-efficient speed depends on your vehicle but is typically around 55–65 mph. Driving faster increases fuel consumption, so stick to speed limits, especially on motorways. -
Remove Accessories
Accessories like bike carriers, roof racks, and boxes reduce your car’s aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. Remove them when not in use. A lighter car requires less effort to accelerate, and even an unused roof rack adds wind resistance, increasing drag and making the engine work harder. -
Avoid Unnecessary Journeys
For short trips, consider leaving the car behind. This benefits your wallet, health, and the environment. A cold engine uses nearly twice as much fuel, and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective. Car sharing is another great way to save money and reduce road congestion. -
Plan Your Journey
Use satellite navigation to avoid congestion, road works, and wrong turns. If you don’t have a sat-nav, check the internet for route planning and traffic updates before setting off. Consider alternative routes for regular journeys—less congested roads may save money even if they add a few extra miles.Useful resources:
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Check Your Tyre Pressures Regularly
Under-inflated tyres are dangerous, wear out faster, and increase fuel consumption. Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure they match the recommendations in your vehicle handbook. On many cars, this information is also displayed inside the fuel flap or on the driver’s door frame. -
Turn Off the Air Conditioner
Air conditioning increases fuel consumption, so turn it off when it’s not needed. The same applies to climate control systems, although they are generally more fuel-efficient than manual air conditioning.