How can you avoid wasting fuel?

02/07/2024

Woman refuelling car at petrol station, illustrating fuel consumption and efficiency tips

Last Updated: 30 Sept 2025
Read time: 4 minutes

Written by: Deirbhile Coyle
Insurance Writer

Written in line with our Editorial Guidelines

8 simple ways to reduce fuel consumption

Motorists are being urged to squeeze as many miles out of their tanks as possible amid the fluctuating cost of fuel and Britain’s current cost-of-living crisis.

Experts at one of the UK’s leading price comparison websites Quotezone, have offered car owners advice on how to make their fuel go further with simple adjustments to their driving habits.

With fuel prices and living costs at record highs, households are looking to cut their monthly expenses and improving fuel efficiency is a good way to help stretch the budget.

Obviously, Motorists are advised to avoid expensive petrol stations and search for the cheapest prices, for example it may be more cost-effective to fill the tank at an independent retailer – so best check online for the nearest locations before setting off and include them as part of an upcoming journey before the fuel level hits low.

Lower your speed to save on fuel

One of the most crucial factors on fuel consumption is speed, as faster driving wastes more fuel – the optimal fuel-efficient speed for most cars is 45-50 mph. Van and motorbike owners can also save on their fuel by keeping a moderate cruise speed and not hitting the accelerator wastefully. In short, saving on speed can help you save on fuel.

Fuel-saving tips from our car insurance expert

Greg Wilson, Founder of car insurance comparison site Quotezone said:

“Frugal drivers can get the maximum mileage from the fuel tank by incorporating money-saving driving techniques into their everyday journeys. Eco-driving can have a huge impact on how much money you spend at the petrol pump.

“Besides choosing the cheapest petrol station and the right speed, there are a number of other simple tricks that can help you make fuel go further, including decluttering the boot and checking tyre pressure.”

8 ways to reduce fuel consumption from Quotezone

1. Remove excess weight

The heavier the car, the harder the engine has to work, resulting in higher fuel consumption. Make sure to declutter your car and clear out the boot to reduce some weight.

2. Regular maintenance

Keeping the car in good condition ensures that the vehicle runs efficiently, which also helps fuel economy. It may be a bit costly to service the car, but it can save you a lot of money in the long run.

3. Drive smoothly

Sudden braking and speeding up burns more fuel, and that’s why it’s important to gauge the flow of traffic. Gentle acceleration and steady speed ensure the most economical use of fuel.

4. Change gears as early as possible

Switching into the highest possible gear keeps the revs low, which saves petrol. For example, at a 40-mph speed, the car will consume 25 per cent more petrol in third gear compared to fifth. Under normal conditions, the gears should be changed when the revs are between 1,500-2,000 rpm.

5. Check tyre pressure

It’s important to make sure that the tyres are inflated to the right pressure, because underinflated tyres create more rolling resistance, which means that the engine has to work harder. The car can consume 5% more fuel for every 0.5 bar drop in pressure.

6. Avoid idling

Drivers should leave the engine running while they’re stopped because it’s wasting fuel but not getting them any mileage. It’s worth switching off the engine when the car is stationary for even a few minutes.

7. Turn off additional functions

The vehicle’s add-on functions, like air con and seat heater, should only be used when necessary, as they drain the car’s battery as well as the petrol tank.

8. Don’t fill the tank to the brim

Fuel is heavy, so if the tank is filled to the top, then there is more unnecessary weight that the car has to carry.

Related products

Looking to find the right insurance policy for your vehicle? At Quotezone, we can help you search for the best deals on your insurance with our panel of dedicated UK specialists.

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.