Best Ways to Save Fuel While Driving

Fuel savings that start with your right foot

High fuel prices make every mile matter. The good news is that most savings come from how you drive, not what you drive. Smooth inputs, sensible speeds, and small bits of planning can trim 10-15% from your consumption without spending a penny. That is the kind of change you notice across a month of commuting or a summer of staycations.

Smooth, steady driving is the single biggest lever for better MPG.

Harsh acceleration, late braking, and idling waste fuel. Instead, look ahead, build speed progressively, and keep a steady pace. Reach the highest appropriate gear quickly, then maintain momentum. On longer trips, motorways are usually the most efficient because they allow consistent cruising in high gears at legal speeds. Even if the route is a little longer, you often use less fuel than on stop-start city or rural roads.

There are simple wins before you even start the engine. Clear out the boot, remove roof racks when not in use, and keep tyres at the correct pressure. Extra weight and drag make the engine work harder. A bare roof is slippery through the air - a roof rack can add around 16% drag at 75 mph and a roof box about 39%. At legal UK speeds, that still translates to noticeably higher consumption.

Cold engines are thirstier. If you can, bundle errands into one longer journey so the engine stays warm and efficient. Around town, use lighter electrical loads and go easy on air con. At lower speeds, opening a window slightly is usually cheaper in fuel terms than running air conditioning. On the motorway, keep windows closed to minimise drag.

Finally, speed is a cost. Aerodynamic drag rises sharply with velocity. Travelling at 75 mph can use around 18% more fuel than at 60 mph. Staying within limits is safer, legal, and cheaper.

Quick next step: choose two habits below and apply them on your very next drive.

Is this right for you?

If you drive in the UK - for work, the school run, or weekend trips - these strategies fit your routine. They suit petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars, manual or automatic. New drivers can build good habits early, while experienced motorists can fine-tune techniques for instant gains. Company car users and grey-fleet drivers also benefit, reducing costs and wear. If you are saving for a larger purchase or trying to stretch your monthly budget, lower fuel spend is a direct, low-effort win.

Your practical options

1. Drive smoothly - anticipate traffic, accelerate gently, avoid harsh braking.

2. Keep tyres at the recommended pressures - check monthly or before long trips.

3. Plan and combine errands - one warm engine trip beats several cold starts.

4. Prefer motorways for long journeys - steady speeds in high gears save fuel.

5. Declutter the car - empty the boot, remove roof racks when not needed.

6. Use less air con and electrics - especially at low speeds and in mild weather.

7. Use the highest suitable gear promptly - avoid labouring the engine.

8. Slow down within limits - small speed reductions cut fuel use significantly.

9. Maintain the car - oil, filters, alignment, and timely servicing protect MPG.

10. Buy fuel smart - supermarkets often charge less and offer loyalty points.

Pick one habit per week. Small changes add up to a full tank saved each season.

What it costs and what you gain

Who is eligible and what to check first

Every UK driver can adopt these habits, regardless of car age or fuel type. Start by confirming your vehicle handbook pressures for front and rear tyres, including adjustments for heavy loads. Check your service schedule and make sure oil, air filter, and spark plugs or fuel system components are up to date. If your car has eco modes or real-time economy displays, use them - feedback helps you maintain smooth inputs and timely upshifts.

For longer trips, preview the route on your sat nav to choose steady, congestion-free motorways where appropriate. Ensure any roof racks, boxes, or bike carriers are removed when you do not need them. Around town, plan errands so the engine warms fully at least once, and avoid extended idling which wastes fuel and may be restricted by local rules.

If you are budgeting for motoring costs, Kandoo can help you explore finance options for essential maintenance or accessories that improve safety and efficiency. Good credit is not required to start a search, and you will remain in control of whether to proceed.

Simple steps to start today

1. Check and set tyre pressures to handbook values.

2. Remove roof racks and clear heavy items from boot.

3. Plan a route that favours steady motorway cruising.

4. Accelerate smoothly and shift to higher gears early.

5. Keep to legal speeds and maintain a constant pace.

6. Use air con sparingly and avoid unnecessary idling.

7. Combine errands to keep the engine warm throughout.

8. Track MPG on the dash to reinforce good habits.

Upsides and watch-outs

Before you hit the road

Focus on legal, courteous driving. Never coast in neutral, never switch the engine off while moving, and avoid drafting other vehicles - safety and the Highway Code come first. Aim for progressive acceleration to reach the highest appropriate gear without labouring the engine. In automatics, a light, steady throttle often triggers earlier upshifts. On motorways, set a safe following gap so minor speed changes do not force heavy braking. If your car displays real-time MPG, treat it like a coach - gentle inputs that keep the number high are usually the right ones. Finally, compare fuel prices before you set off so you are not forced into expensive motorway forecourts.

Alternatives and add-ons

1. Tyre upgrade focused on low rolling resistance when next replacing.

2. Wheel alignment check to reduce drag and improve tyre life.

3. Engine service or software updates recommended by the manufacturer.

4. Eco-driving course to refine technique and boost confidence.

5. Telematics app to monitor smoothness, speeds, and idling time.

FAQs

Q: Are supermarket fuels lower quality? A: In the UK, they meet the same standards as branded fuel. Supermarkets often cost less and offer loyalty rewards, helping reduce overall spend.

Q: What speed is most efficient on the motorway? A: A steady, legal speed is key. Aerodynamic drag rises quickly with speed, so easing back within the limit usually improves MPG without a big impact on journey time.

Q: How often should I check tyre pressures? A: Check monthly, before long trips, and after large temperature swings. Use the handbook values for your load and tyre size.

Q: Does air conditioning always waste fuel? A: It draws engine power, so use it when you need cooling or demisting but switch it off at lower speeds in mild weather. On fast roads, closed windows reduce drag.

Q: Will short trips always hurt MPG? A: Short, cold starts are less efficient. Combining errands into one longer journey helps keep the engine warm and reduces overall consumption.

Q: Can I just use neutral to coast? A: No. Coasting reduces control and can be unsafe or illegal in certain contexts. Modern cars often cut fuel on overrun while in gear, so maintain proper control.

What Kandoo can do for you

Kandoo is a UK-based retail finance broker that helps you spread the cost of essential motoring - from servicing and tyres to accessories that keep you safe and efficient. Compare personalised options from a panel of lenders, check eligibility with soft searches where available, and keep control of your budget while you save at the pump.

Important information

Information is general guidance, not personal advice. Driving techniques must always remain within the law and the Highway Code. Finance availability and rates depend on status and lender criteria. Always read terms before committing.