12 tips for more fuel-efficient driving (and saving on fuel)

You don't need a new car to pay less at the pump. Your driving style and a few simple habits often make a bigger difference than you think. These are our twelve best tips.

Your driving style

1. Look ahead. Watch the traffic far ahead, let the car coast towards a red light and avoid unnecessary braking and accelerating.
2. Change up early. In a manual car, change up at around 2,000 to 2,500 rpm. Low revs save fuel.
3. Use engine braking. Take your foot off the accelerator and stay in gear. Modern engines then use almost no fuel.
4. Drive a little slower on the motorway. Air resistance rises sharply with speed: 110 instead of 120 km/h makes a noticeable difference.
5. Use cruise control on flat roads to keep a steady speed.
6. Don't let the engine idle. If you're stationary for more than a minute, switch off the engine (if your car has no start-stop system).

Your car

7. Check your tyre pressure at least once a month. Under-inflated tyres increase consumption and wear faster. Read more about tyre pressure.
8. Clear unnecessary weight out of the boot. Every extra kilo costs fuel.
9. Remove roof bars or a roof box when you're not using them. They disturb the airflow and raise consumption, especially on the motorway.
10. Use the air conditioning sparingly. It costs extra fuel. In town an open window can be enough; on the motorway the air conditioning is usually more efficient than open windows.
11. Have your car serviced regularly. A clogged air filter, old oil or worn spark plugs increase consumption.

Your planning

12. Combine short trips. A cold engine uses much more fuel. Do your shopping in one trip instead of three, or walk or cycle for very short distances.