Fuel is one of the largest ongoing costs of running a car. While engine size and vehicle type matter, the way you drive can make a surprisingly large difference. Many of the same habits also reduce wear on brakes, tyres and the engine, so you save twice.
Accelerate smoothly
Hard acceleration uses much more fuel than gradual acceleration. Press the accelerator gently and progressively, and shift up at sensible engine speeds in a manual car. In an automatic, light throttle allows the gearbox to change up earlier.
Anticipate traffic
Look well ahead. If the signal ahead is red or traffic is slowing, lift off the accelerator early and coast rather than speeding up and braking hard. Every time you brake, you waste energy you spent fuel to create. Smooth anticipation is also safer.
Keep a steady speed
Frequent speeding up and slowing down increases fuel consumption. On highways, maintain a steady, moderate speed. Fuel efficiency typically drops at higher speeds because aerodynamic drag rises sharply. Cruise control, where available, helps maintain consistency on open roads.
Use the right gear
In manual cars, driving in too low a gear at high engine speed wastes fuel, while lugging the engine in too high a gear at very low speed strains it. Many cars have a gear shift indicator to guide you. Avoid riding the clutch, which wastes fuel and wears the clutch.
Reduce idling
Idling burns fuel while you go nowhere. If you expect to wait for more than a short while, such as at a long railway crossing, consider switching off the engine where safe. Many modern cars have start-stop systems that do this automatically. Modern engines do not need long warm-ups; drive gently for the first few minutes instead.
Check tyre pressure
Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, using more fuel and wearing tyres unevenly. Check pressure regularly when tyres are cold and follow the figures on the door jamb sticker or owner's manual.
Lighten the load
- Remove unnecessary heavy items from the boot.
- Take off roof carriers and racks when not in use, as they increase drag.
- Avoid carrying a full tank of extra items like tools or water bottles you rarely need.
Use the AC sensibly
The AC increases fuel use, especially in slow city traffic. Use moderate settings and park in shade to reduce the need for maximum cooling. At highway speeds, keeping windows closed and using the AC is often better than the drag from open windows.
Plan trips
Several short trips from a cold start use more fuel than one longer combined trip. Combine errands, avoid peak traffic where possible and use navigation apps to avoid congestion.
Keep the car maintained
- Service on schedule and use the recommended grade of engine oil.
- Replace air filters when due, particularly in dusty areas.
- Have wheel alignment checked if the car pulls to one side.
- Address warning lights promptly, since engine faults can increase consumption.
Track your efficiency
Use the trip computer or note fuel added and kilometres driven to calculate your real-world efficiency. Tracking it helps you see the effect of changes in driving style and spot sudden drops that might indicate a mechanical problem.
Hybrid and electric cars
Many of the same habits apply to hybrid and electric cars. Smooth acceleration and early lifting off allow regenerative braking to recover energy, which extends range. Preconditioning the cabin while plugged in, where supported, reduces the energy drawn from the battery once you start driving.
Wrapping up
Accelerate gently, anticipate traffic, keep steady speeds, use the right gear, reduce idling, maintain correct tyre pressure, lighten the load and service the car regularly. These habits lower fuel bills and help your car stay healthy for longer.
