Our top 8 fuel saving tips

Fuel prices are rising, so how can you use less fuel and save yourself some money?

With the ever-increasing fuel prices and the cozzy livs (cost of living crisis) in full swing, drivers everywhere are worried about spending extortionate amounts of money on fuel.

Right now, the RAC states the average price of petrol is 134.19p per litre, and diesel is 140.71p per litre.

These numbers have fallen a tad compared to previous years, but are still reasonably high. With the fluctuating prices, you never know what price you'll be pumping into your tank next week.

There are several ways you can improve your fuel economy to save you money, as well as reduce your contribution to air pollution.

We've put together a list of fuel saving tips to help put the brakes on the cost of driving.

Ranging from driving techniques to maintenance checks, these are all things you can incorporate into your normal driving routine to keep more cash in your pocket and less fuel in your engine.

So, if you're looking for some of the best ways to reduce your fuel consumption, you're in the right place.

Check your tyres

Check your tyre pressures regularly, as it could be costing you a small fortune in fuel.

A properly inflated tyre distributes the weight of the vehicle perfectly. So, if a tyre is underinflated, it creates more resistance and the engine has to work harder, guzzling more fuel as you cruise.

Be careful not to overinflate your tyres as this could lead to further problems such as a blowout.

Always check your manufacturer's recommended tyre pressure level to avoid this – you'll find it in your vehicle handbook or inside the driver's door frame.

Don't use air conditioning/heater

Don't use air conditioning or the heater unless you really need it.

Using the A/C or the heater uses engine power which therefore uses more fuel – it's essentially like carrying an extra passenger in terms of fuel economy.

However, opening a window instead can also create drag.

It's worth basing your decision on the speed that you're travelling.

For example, it would be better to have your windows down if you're cruising around the streets on a hot day, not going any faster than 50mph.

But, if you're on the motorway, going at a speed of between 50-70mph, having your windows down would create drag from more resistance, meaning it would be better to use the air conditioning.

Use gears properly

Change gears early.

Leaving it too late means harsher acceleration, which makes the engine work harder and uses more fuel.

It's recommended that you shift up a gear when your engine revs reach 2000-2500 RPM, and shift down when they reach 1500RPM.

Most cars nowadays either have gear shift indicators, making it easy to know when you should change gear, or they're just fully automatic.

Skip shorter trips

If you're only going out for a short trip and it's possible to walk there, ditch the car and go for a wander.

Your engine is less efficient when cold so if you take it out for a short distance, you'll be using more fuel than necessary just to get things warmed up.

Plus, it can kill your car’s battery over time.

It might seem hard but try to plan ahead and instead of several short trips, you can do one long journey.

Much better for your wallet and the environment too – it's a win-win.

Avoid high speeds

If you're thinking about going over the speed limit, don't do it.

Maintaining a constant speed can help preserve your fuel and extend the miles between fill-ups.

Most vehicles are at their most fuel-efficient between 45mph - 65mph.

So, next time you're tempted to exceed the speed limit on the motorway, try to remember that you could be using 40% more fuel driving at 80mph, instead of 70mph. And, you’d be breaking the law

That's a significant amount of extra cash flowing out of your exhaust pipe.

Accelerate smoothly

Accelerate harshly and you'll burn through fuel faster than you can say ‘empty tank’.

In fact, driving with a heavy right foot can use up to 50% more fuel.

So, accelerate gently and be even more fuel efficient – your wallet (and fellow road users) will thank you for it.

Remove unnecessary equipment

Don't leave lots of stuff in your boot that you don't need.

Added weight makes your engine work harder.

Extra energy is needed to accelerate the car, which increases your fuel consumption – it's like constantly driving uphill.

Simply put, the tidier your car, the less fuel it will use.

So, whether it's your sports equipment, your wellies, or the rubbish you've been meaning to take to the tip, have a spring clean and save on fuel.

Turn your engine off when you're at a standstill 

Finally, if you're waiting for a friend outside their house or you're stuck in gridlock traffic, turn your engine off.

Running the engine when you're not driving is going to use fuel unnecessarily and pump more emissions into the atmosphere.

Some cars have Stop-Start batteries, which automatically stop the engine when idling and start again when you put your foot on the pedal to go.

Look after your vehicle

Remember to book in regular services and maintenance checks to help reduce your fuel consumption. This could consist of engine tune-ups and tyre repair or replacement.

If your engine isn't running smoothly, you'll use more fuel and spend more money than you need to – like trying to run a marathon with a pebble in your shoe.

With your next car lease, you might want to consider a maintenance package which can easily be accounted for in your monthly rentals and could lead to big savings long-term.

Fuel for thought

With these eight simple changes to your driving habits, you'll be well on your way to maximizing every drop in your tank.

The best part? Most of these tips don't cost a penny to implement, but they could save you pounds at the pump.

Remember, fuel efficiency isn't just good for your wallet – it's better for the environment too.

By consuming less fuel, you're reducing your carbon footprint and doing your bit for cleaner air. Or why not make the switch to electric? Even better for the environment and it’s cheaper to charge up than to fuel up.

Small adjustments to how you drive and maintain your vehicle can add up to significant savings over time.

So next time you're behind the wheel, keep these tips in mind and watch the miles stretch between your fill-ups.