While shopping around for the lowest pump prices saves money at the forecourt, adjusting your everyday driving style can deliver continuous savings of £150 to £250 per year.

1. Maintain Correct Tyre Pressures

Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance against the road surface. Tyres that are under-inflated by just 5 PSI can increase fuel consumption by up to 3% while accelerating tyre tread wear. Check pressures monthly when tyres are cold.

2. Smooth Acceleration and Progressive Braking

Rapid acceleration burns disproportionately high volumes of fuel. Accelerate gently, shifting up gears early (typically around 2,000 RPM in diesels and 2,500 RPM in petrol engines), and read the road ahead to decelerate smoothly rather than braking hard.

3. Shed Unnecessary Roof and Boot Weight

Empty roof boxes, cycle carriers, and heavy items in the boot drag down fuel efficiency. A roof box alone adds significant aerodynamic drag, reducing fuel economy by up to 10% to 15% at motorway cruising speeds.

4. Manage Air Conditioning & Window Drag

At low urban speeds (under 30 mph), opening windows is more efficient than running the air conditioner compressor. At motorway speeds (50+ mph), open windows create substantial aerodynamic drag; using climate control on recirculate becomes more fuel-efficient.

5. Stick to the 70 mph Motorway Limit

Driving at 80 mph on the motorway uses up to 25% more fuel than driving at 70 mph. Driving at 65–70 mph with smooth cruise control on clear stretches dramatically stretches your tank range.