How to Spend Less on Fuel: Practical Ways to Cut Costs

The quickest ways to spend less on fuel are to compare prices before you fill up, keep your tyres at the right pressure, carry less weight, drive smoothly and keep the car serviced. None of these needs a new car, and together they can make a noticeable difference over a year.

How can I find the cheapest fuel near me?

Prices can differ between forecourts a short drive apart. The government's Fuel Finder scheme requires petrol stations to report price changes quickly, and that data now feeds a number of price comparison apps and websites. The government's Fuel Finder factsheet lists where you can see it.

A small detour can be worth it when you are filling a full tank, but not if the extra miles cancel out the saving.

What are the simplest ways to use less fuel?

1. Check your tyre pressures regularly. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, so the engine works harder. The correct pressures are usually on a sticker inside the driver's door frame or in the handbook.

2. Take out what you do not need. Extra weight in the boot and empty roof bars or boxes all add to fuel use, particularly at motorway speeds.

3. Drive smoothly. Accelerate gently, look well ahead and ease off early when you see traffic slowing, rather than braking late.

4. Use air conditioning sensibly. Around town, opening a window can use less fuel. At higher speeds an open window adds drag, so the air conditioning may be the better option.

5. Switch off when you are waiting. If you are parked up waiting, turn the engine off. Idling uses fuel and gets you nowhere.

6. Combine short trips. A cold engine uses more fuel, so doing several errands in one trip is usually cheaper than several separate short journeys.

7. Plan your route. Avoiding the worst of the rush hour cuts time spent crawling in traffic.

Does servicing really affect fuel economy?

Yes. Old engine oil, a blocked air filter and worn spark plugs on a petrol car can all make the engine less efficient. Keeping to the service schedule also helps you spot problems such as dragging brakes or under-inflated tyres. Our guide on why servicing matters more when fuel is expensive explains more.

Is it time to change to a more economical car?

Sometimes the car itself is the issue. If your circumstances have changed and you are running a larger or thirstier car than you need, it may be worth comparing the total running costs of something smaller, a hybrid or an electric car. Our cost comparison calculator can help, and our guide is it time to swap your thirsty car covers the signs to look for.

Remember to weigh up the cost of changing car against the fuel you would save.

Common questions

Is supermarket fuel worse for my car?

Fuel sold in the UK has to meet the same basic standards wherever you buy it. Our guide to supermarket and branded fuel looks at the differences.

Does driving slower save fuel?

Generally, yes. Most cars use noticeably more fuel at higher motorway speeds because of air resistance.

Do fuel additives improve economy?

For a healthy, well-maintained engine there is little evidence that additives make a meaningful difference. Regular servicing is a better use of money.

Want to cut your running costs?

anycolourcar.com is based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Book a service through our servicing and repairs page or call 01226 574321. If you are thinking about changing car, browse our cars in stock, find out what yours is worth through sell or part exchange, or call sales on 01226 574410.

This guide is general information, not financial advice. Updated October 2026.