How to Save Money on Fuel: 8 Practical Ways to Cut Your Petrol or Diesel Bill

You can meaningfully reduce your monthly fuel bill without giving up your car. The biggest savings come from comparing local pump prices before you fill up, driving more smoothly to reduce fuel consumption, and making small changes to how you maintain and use your vehicle. Together, these steps can cut your fuel spend by 15 to 25 per cent.

Compare local fuel prices before you fill up

Do not fill up at the nearest garage out of convenience. Prices can vary by seven pence or more per litre between filling stations within the same town. On a 50-litre tank, that is a £3.50 saving per fill-up, which adds up to over £180 per year if you fill up weekly.

The website petrolprices.com and the app Petrol Spy let you search for the cheapest unleaded and diesel in your postcode area. It takes less than a minute to check before you leave the house.

Use supermarket fuel discounts carefully

Supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Asda regularly offer fuel discounts when you spend a minimum amount in store. Tesco Clubcard, for example, has offered up to 10 pence per litre off when linking a Clubcard to a fuel purchase. These promotions can be excellent value if you would be spending the required amount on your weekly shop regardless.

One important note: most major supermarkets do not add the fuel system lubricants included in branded fuels from BP, Shell, and Esso. These additives help protect fuel injectors and engines over time. A practical approach is to fill up at a supermarket two or three times per month and use a branded station once per month to protect your engine.

Drive smoothly and anticipate the road ahead

Smooth driving is the single most effective habit for improving fuel economy. The harder you brake and the more aggressively you accelerate, the more fuel you burn.

Looking further ahead on the road means you can ease off the accelerator before a junction or traffic light rather than braking sharply at the last moment. Lifting your foot off the accelerator uses far less fuel than braking. When pulling away from a standstill, accelerate gradually and change up through the gears as early as it is safe and comfortable to do so.

Change gear at the right time

Keeping your engine revs low is central to good fuel economy. Changing up to a higher gear earlier reduces the demand on the engine and cuts fuel use. The UK government's fuel economy advice recommends changing up at around 2,000 rpm for diesel engines and 2,500 rpm for petrol.

Driving at 70 mph in fourth gear uses significantly more fuel than 70 mph in sixth gear. The difference can be as much as 25 per cent. Use the highest gear that is appropriate for your speed without labouring the engine.

Keep to the speed limit

Speed has a direct and steep effect on fuel consumption. Driving at 80 mph uses approximately 25 per cent more fuel than driving at 70 mph, according to the Department for Transport. Keeping to 70 mph on motorways rather than pushing to 80 mph saves fuel and avoids a speeding fine.

Turn off air conditioning and heating when not needed

Running air conditioning at full blast continuously can increase fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent, particularly in slow-moving traffic. Turn it off when the car is at a comfortable temperature. In winter, use your heated rear windscreen and mirrors briefly to demist rather than leaving them running throughout a journey.

Air conditioning systems benefit from being run for a few minutes every fortnight or so to keep the seals lubricated and prevent refrigerant leaks. Other than that, use it only when you need it.

Check your tyre pressure regularly

The AA estimates that underinflated tyres increase fuel consumption by around 3 per cent per journey. On an annual fuel spend of £2,000, that is £60 wasted simply from soft tyres.

Check the recommended tyre pressure in your vehicle's owner's manual or on the sticker inside the driver's door frame. Check pressures monthly and before long motorway journeys. Most petrol stations provide free or low-cost air pumps.

Reduce unnecessary car journeys

Short journeys are the least fuel-efficient. A cold engine running for less than five minutes burns a disproportionate amount of fuel and produces more emissions than a warm engine covering the same distance. Walk, cycle, or use public transport for very short trips where it is practical.

For regular longer journeys such as a daily commute, car sharing with a colleague halves your fuel cost and reduces wear on your vehicle. Apps such as BlaBlaCar Daily are designed specifically for commuter car sharing.

FAQ

How much can I realistically save on fuel each year?

This depends on how much you drive, but combining price comparison, smoother driving, correct tyre pressure, and sensible gear use can realistically save 15 to 25 per cent of your current annual fuel spend. For someone spending £2,000 a year on fuel, that is £300 to £500 in savings.

Does the type of fuel I use affect economy?

Standard unleaded and diesel are the most common fuels. Premium fuels, such as BP Ultimate or Shell V-Power, contain higher concentrations of cleaning additives and are claimed by manufacturers to improve fuel economy marginally in some engines. Independent tests produce mixed results; the premium price (usually 10-15 pence per litre more) is unlikely to be recovered through economy improvements alone for most drivers.

Does having a full tank of fuel use more petrol?

A full tank adds weight, and extra weight increases fuel consumption slightly. However, the effect is very small on a typical car. Filling up to around three-quarters of a tank is a reasonable habit, but it is unlikely to produce a noticeable saving unless you are driving very long distances regularly.

Does idling waste a lot of fuel?

Yes. An idling engine burns fuel with no forward progress. Modern fuel-injected engines do not benefit from extended warm-up periods before driving. If you are stationary for more than 60 seconds (for example, waiting at a level crossing), turning off the engine saves fuel. Many modern cars have an automatic stop-start system that does this for you.

Is it cheaper to drive on motorways or country roads?

Steady motorway driving at 60-70 mph is generally the most fuel-efficient mode of driving, because the engine runs at a consistent load without stop-start cycling. Urban driving and country roads with frequent braking and acceleration are less efficient. The most efficient journeys combine a consistent speed with light traffic.