How to Save Money on Fuel in the UK: 10 Practical Tips
With pump prices regularly exceeding 140p per litre for petrol and 145p for diesel, knowing how to save money on fuel in the UK is worth real effort. Small changes to where you fill up, how you drive, and how you maintain your car can add up to hundreds of pounds a year.
Here are 10 practical, proven tips — no gimmicks.
1. Always Compare Prices Before You Fill Up
Fuel prices vary significantly between forecourts — sometimes by 10p per litre or more within a few miles of each other. Motorway services are consistently the most expensive; local supermarket forecourts are almost always the cheapest.
Before every fill-up, compare local fuel prices to find the cheapest petrol or diesel station near you in real time.
2. Fill Up at Supermarket Forecourts
Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons typically charge 3–8p per litre less than branded stations. According to RAC pump price data, that gap is consistent and persistent.
On a 60-litre fill, that's a saving of £1.80–£4.80 every time. Over a year of weekly fills, it amounts to roughly £100–£250 in savings.
Stack this with supermarket loyalty schemes — Tesco Clubcard and Sainsbury's Nectar both offer fuel vouchers that reduce the price further.
3. Drive More Smoothly
Aggressive acceleration and hard braking burn significantly more fuel than smooth, anticipatory driving. The AA estimates that smooth driving can improve fuel economy by up to 30% compared to aggressive driving styles.
Practical habits that help:
- Accelerate gently and progressively
- Read the road ahead and coast to junctions rather than braking late
- Avoid unnecessary stop-start in slow traffic where possible
4. Stick to the Speed Limit on Motorways
Fuel consumption rises sharply at higher speeds due to aerodynamic drag. A car travelling at 80mph uses significantly more fuel than the same car at 70mph.
The gov.uk fuel economy guidance notes that driving at 70mph instead of 80mph can improve fuel efficiency by around 25%. Cruise control on motorways helps maintain a steady, efficient speed.
5. Keep Your Tyres Properly Inflated
Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder — burning more fuel. The AA recommends checking tyre pressure at least once a month and before long journeys.
A tyre that's 10 PSI under-inflated can increase fuel consumption by 1–2%. Check your recommended pressure in the driver's door jamb or owner's manual, not just the maximum printed on the tyre.
6. Remove Unnecessary Weight
Every extra kilogram your car carries requires more fuel to move. Roof racks, roof boxes, and heavy items in the boot all increase fuel consumption — especially at motorway speeds.
Remove roof bars and boxes when not in use. A roof rack adds aerodynamic drag even when empty, reducing fuel efficiency by up to 10% on motorway runs according to gov.uk guidance.
7. Use the Right Gear at the Right Time
Driving in too low a gear keeps engine revs high and wastes fuel. Most modern petrol and diesel cars are most efficient at between 1,500–2,500 RPM.
For manual gearboxes: shift up early and keep revs low. For automatics: use the "Eco" mode if available, which optimises shift points for efficiency rather than performance.
8. Reduce Air Conditioning Use
Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by 3–10%, particularly in stop-start urban driving. At low speeds, opening windows is more efficient than running the AC.
At motorway speeds, the equation flips: open windows create drag that costs more than running AC. The rough crossover point is around 50–55mph — below that, windows down; above it, AC at a low setting.
9. Plan Routes to Avoid Congestion
Idling in traffic burns fuel with zero forward progress. Using live navigation apps to avoid congestion not only saves time — it measurably reduces fuel use.
Cold starts also use more fuel for the first few miles. Combining short trips into one journey, rather than making multiple cold starts, reduces the overall fuel cost of those errands significantly.
10. Keep Up With Basic Servicing
A poorly maintained engine is an inefficient one. Blocked air filters, worn spark plugs, and degraded engine oil all increase fuel consumption.
Key maintenance items that directly affect fuel economy:
- Air filter — replace per manufacturer schedule; a blocked filter restricts airflow
- Spark plugs (petrol) — worn plugs cause incomplete combustion
- Engine oil — use the correct viscosity grade; thicker oil increases internal friction
- Fuel injector cleanliness — relevant for high-mileage diesel vehicles in particular
Practical Takeaways
- Biggest wins: price comparison + supermarket forecourts + smooth driving
- Easy habits: tyre pressure monthly, remove roof rack, shift up early
- Worth monitoring: AC use at low speeds, route planning, service schedule
Small changes compound. A driver combining cheaper fuel sourcing, smooth driving, and correct tyre pressure can realistically save £200–£400 per year without any lifestyle sacrifice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I save on fuel by driving more smoothly?
The AA estimates smooth, anticipatory driving can improve fuel economy by up to 30% compared to aggressive acceleration and hard braking. It's one of the most impactful changes a driver can make, and it costs nothing.
Does tyre pressure really affect fuel consumption?
Yes. Tyres that are 10 PSI under-inflated can increase fuel consumption by 1–2%. Checking pressure monthly takes two minutes and can noticeably improve efficiency over time.
Is supermarket petrol cheaper than branded stations?
Consistently, yes — typically by 3–8p per litre. The RAC tracks this gap regularly. Supermarket fuel also meets the same legal quality standards as branded alternatives, making it the best-value choice for most drivers.
Does driving at 70mph instead of 80mph really save fuel?
Significantly. Gov.uk fuel economy guidance indicates that dropping from 80mph to 70mph can improve fuel efficiency by around 25% due to reduced aerodynamic drag at higher speeds.
What speed is most fuel-efficient on UK roads?
Most cars achieve their best fuel efficiency at steady speeds between 45–60mph. Fuel consumption rises sharply above 70mph. On motorways, using cruise control at 60–65mph is typically the most economical approach for longer journeys.