Awful April: Ten ways to save on fuel

Drivers are being told that harsh acceleration and braking could be contributing to poor fuel efficiency. 

Experts at LeaseLoco.com are sharing ways to help cash-strapped Brits minimise fuel waste on the road and save money.  

As prices continue to rise, adopting more cautious driving habits and reducing unnecessary energy output can lead to significant savings.

Shopping around for the best fuel prices and planning ahead for fuel top ups can make a big difference in cutting costs.

Motorists should plan journeys and try to include well priced petrol stations in their route to prevent unnecessary detours for fuel.

Drivers are also advised to conserve fuel and prevent unnecessary consumption by avoiding excessive engine revs and sudden acceleration.

Other tips like closing windows to reduce drag on a vehicle, and minimising air conditioning use can prevent vehicles from overworking and using fuel unnecessarily.

These tips can also benefit electric vehicles (EVs). By minimising energy consumption, EV drivers can extend their driving range and reduce the need for frequent charging, ultimately saving money.

John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco.com said: “Fuel costs are continuously rising but there are a few ways to combat this which can help make a difference to your monthly budget.

“Some common bad habits that cause drivers to waste more fuel than they realise include unnecessary engine revs, harsh acceleration, and idling in traffic with the engine running.

“If you have an older car you’ll want to avoid frequently restarting your engine in brief stops. Those with new models however should definitely consider making the most of their stop-start systems to help reduce fuel consumption. 

“By thinking ahead and driving smoothly, you can make significant savings on fuel by reducing your vehicle's consumption.”

10 fuel saving tips:

Shop around 

Checking out where near you has the cheapest fuel, you can use sources such as PetrolPrices.com to help you work this out. 

Accelerate and brake smoothly 

Driving smoothly, with gentle acceleration and braking will help to reduce fuel consumption by minimising sudden spikes in fuel usage.

Reduce engine revs

Revving your engine increases fuel consumption. By reducing revs, you can make your fuel usage more efficient.

Use cruise control 

Using cruise control or driving at a steady, consistent pace, particularly on motorways, will help reduce fuel consumption.

Remove unnecessary weight

The heavier your car, the more energy it requires to move. Reducing unnecessary weight will decrease fuel consumption and improve efficiency.

Top up tyre pressures 

Make sure your tyre pressure is topped up; this will reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Under inflated tires create more rolling resistance, which can increase fuel consumption.

Combine trips and plan ahead

Plan your trip in advance to find the quickest routes and avoid traffic, especially on unfamiliar journeys. This can help you save time and reduce fuel consumption. If possible, combine trips and car share if you’re taking the same route.

Cut down on air conditioning

Anything that requires energy from your vehicle, such as air conditioning, will consume fuel to operate. To reduce fuel costs, it’s best to minimise the use of air conditioning when possible.

Close windows 

Driving with the windows open can increase drag on your vehicle, requiring more acceleration to reach speed. Particularly on fast roads, keeping the windows closed will help reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency

Turn engine off

When stopped for a few minutes, turn off your engine. In newer cars, utilise the start/stop function. Reducing idling can help lower fuel consumption and costs.