How to Improve Your Car’s MPG

Why MPG Matters Now

Understanding MPG is not just about a number on a brochure - it is about what you pay every mile. In the UK, the average car returns 38.6 miles per gallon, with petrol cars averaging around 36 MPG and diesel nearer 43 MPG. Electric cars lead on efficiency at roughly 80 MPGe, reflecting the rapid pace of electrification. With unleaded averaging about 142p per litre in 2026 - and regional differences from Scotland to Northern Ireland - every extra mile you eke from a gallon directly lightens household costs.

Lower running costs are drawing drivers towards efficiency. Real-world figures show electric vehicles can cost roughly 7-9p per mile when charged at home, compared with around 13-16p for petrol and 12-15p for diesel. For high-mileage drivers, that gap adds up fast. Hybrids also bridge the gap, with many models comfortably achieving 55-65 MPG in daily use. The Mazda 2 Hybrid headlines with a 74.3 MPG WLTP figure, while the Toyota Yaris Hybrid posts 70.6 MPG - strong options for cutting costs without relying on charging.

Better MPG is a reliable way to reduce spend without changing how you drive every day - it rewards consistent habits.

WLTP figures, used across the UK since 2019, are more realistic than older test cycles, but most drivers still see slightly lower numbers on the road due to traffic, weather, and loads. That is why a pragmatic approach works best: benchmark your current MPG, apply targeted changes, and keep tracking. The prize is substantial. UK cars cover around 7,000-7,500 miles a year on average, and up to 250-260 billion miles in total - so even small efficiency gains translate into meaningful annual savings.

Is This Guide Right For You?

If you drive a petrol, diesel, hybrid, or electric car in the UK and want to spend less per mile, this guide will help. It is designed for everyday motorists, not technicians, and focuses on cost-effective changes you can make now. Whether you commute across town, tackle long motorway runs, or combine school runs with weekend trips, there is practical advice here.

It also suits car buyers weighing petrol, diesel, hybrid, or EV options. You will find realistic UK figures for costs per mile and clear pointers on WLTP versus real-world MPG. If you are not ready for a full EV, we outline hybrid and plug-in hybrid routes that deliver strong gains without relying on charging infrastructure.

Quick Wins You Can Do This Week

1. Check tyre pressures cold - set to the manufacturer’s door-sticker values.

2. Remove roof racks and clutter - cut aerodynamic drag and weight.

3. Use eco mode and smooth throttle - aim for gentle acceleration.

4. Plan routes to avoid congestion - fewer stops, steadier speeds.

5. Stick to speed limits - efficiency drops sharply above 60-65 mph.

6. Service on time - fresh oil, clean air filter, healthy plugs or injectors.

7. Align wheels - correct tracking reduces rolling resistance.

8. Lighten the boot - every unnecessary kilogram wastes fuel.

9. Pre-condition hybrids/EVs when plugged in - saves battery on the move.

10. Monitor MPG with the trip computer or an app - improve what you measure.

One small habit, repeated daily, often beats any single big upgrade.

What It Costs and What You Get

Will These Tips Work For Your Car?

Most petrol and diesel cars benefit immediately from correct tyre pressures, smoother driving, and timely servicing. If your current average sits near the UK’s 38.6 MPG, these steps can lift you closer to the mid-40s on mixed routes. Diesel models respond well on longer runs due to their higher baseline efficiency. Hybrids shine in stop-start urban and suburban driving, where regenerative braking recovers energy that standard cars waste as heat. If you cover mainly town miles, a hybrid’s WLTP rating is a useful indicator, though daily reality is often slightly lower. For commuters who split time between A-roads and motorways, models like the Mazda 2 Hybrid or Toyota Yaris Hybrid remain robust choices.

EVs are best for those with reliable home or workplace charging, where costs typically fall to around 7-9p per mile. Efficiency leaders such as the Tesla Model 3, often exceeding 100 MPGe, minimise electricity use per mile. If you depend on public rapid charging, your costs will rise, so consider your charging mix before switching. For finance guidance, Kandoo can help you compare monthly affordability across petrol, diesel, hybrid, and EV options without harming your credit score through pre-qualification checks.

Your 7-step Efficiency Plan

1. Benchmark your current MPG over two full tanks.

2. Set tyre pressures and remove unnecessary roof gear.

3. Service essentials - oil, filters, plugs or injectors.

4. Use eco mode and anticipate traffic to keep momentum.

5. Align wheels and choose efficient tyres when due.

6. Optimise routes and speeds for steady-state cruising.

7. Track progress monthly and refine weak spots.

Upsides and Trade-offs

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Chasing brochure figures rarely helps. WLTP is more realistic than older tests, but most UK drivers still see lower MPG due to traffic, weather, payload, and short trips. Fix the easy wins first: tyre pressures, smooth inputs, and decluttering. Do not fit bargain tyres that compromise rolling resistance and wet grip - the false economy often shows up in both fuel and braking distances. Be wary of speed creep on motorways; efficiency tends to drop quickly above 60-65 mph. If you are considering an EV, check your access to home charging and off-peak tariffs. For hybrids, remember that frequent cold starts can trim MPG. Finally, measure your progress over several tanks rather than a single journey; consistency beats snapshots.

Alternatives to Pure MPG Gains

1. Switch to a hybrid model for strong urban savings without charging.

2. Consider an EV if you can charge at home most nights.

3. Downsize to a smaller, lighter car to cut per-mile costs.

4. Car-share or combine trips to reduce total miles.

5. Choose telematics-based insurance that rewards gentler driving.

Your Questions Answered

Q: How do I calculate my real MPG? A: Fill the tank, reset the trip, drive normally, refill, then divide miles driven by gallons used. Repeat over two or three cycles for accuracy.

Q: What is a good MPG target in the UK? A: If the national average is around 38.6 MPG, many drivers can aim for mid-40s with simple changes. Hybrids can deliver 55-65 MPG in daily use.

Q: Are EVs always cheaper per mile? A: With home charging, many EVs cost about 7-9p per mile. Relying on public rapid chargers can push costs higher, narrowing the advantage.

Q: Which models are most efficient? A: Among hybrids, the Mazda 2 Hybrid and Toyota Yaris Hybrid are standouts. For EVs, the Tesla Model 3 is notably efficient, often above 100 MPGe.

Q: Why do I not reach the WLTP figure? A: Real traffic, weather, short trips, and extra weight reduce efficiency. WLTP is a lab cycle that is closer to reality than older tests but still not identical to your routes.

Q: Do diesels still make sense? A: For long motorway journeys, diesel’s efficiency can pay off. Factor in AdBlue systems, urban restrictions, and your actual mileage pattern.

How Kandoo Can Help

Kandoo is a UK-based retail finance broker that helps you compare funding for efficient cars - from economical petrol hatchbacks to hybrids and EVs. We work with a wide panel of lenders so you can weigh monthly costs alongside per-mile savings. Check your eligibility in minutes and explore options without pressure. When you are ready, we can help you finance the car that best fits your budget and driving pattern.

Important information

All figures are indicative and based on typical UK conditions and prices in 2026. Real costs vary by vehicle, driving style, routes, weather, and charging or fuel tariffs. This guide is not financial advice. Always verify eligibility, affordability, and local restrictions before making decisions.