With petrol prices hovering around 140p per litre and diesel even higher, UK drivers are feeling the pinch more than ever. But don't worry – there are plenty of ways to reduce your fuel costs without giving up your car. Here are our top 10 proven tips for saving money at the pump.
Use a Fuel Price Comparison Tool
Prices can vary by up to 15p per litre between stations just a few miles apart. Using Fuelwise to check prices before you fill up can save you £5-10 per tank. That's potentially £250+ per year for regular drivers.
Fill Up at Supermarkets
Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Morrisons consistently offer the cheapest fuel prices in most areas. They use fuel as a loss leader to attract customers into their stores. Some even offer further discounts through loyalty schemes and vouchers.
Avoid Motorway Service Stations
Motorway services typically charge 15-25p more per litre than nearby town stations. Plan ahead and fill up before you hit the motorway, or come off at a junction to find cheaper local stations. Your wallet will thank you.
Pro Tip
Use Fuelwise to check prices along your route before a long journey. This way you can time your fill-ups when prices are at their lowest.
Drive More Efficiently
Aggressive acceleration and harsh braking can increase fuel consumption by up to 30%. Smooth, progressive driving at steady speeds is much more economical. Use cruise control on motorways and accelerate gently from standstill.
Check Your Tyre Pressure
Under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder. Keeping tyres at the correct pressure can improve fuel economy by up to 3%. Check them monthly and before long journeys.
Remove Excess Weight
Every extra 50kg in your car increases fuel consumption. Clear out the boot, remove roof boxes and bike racks when not in use, and only carry what you need. A clean, streamlined car is a more efficient car.
Use Loyalty Cards and Apps
Shell Go+, Esso Nectar, BP BPme, and Tesco Clubcard all offer rewards on fuel purchases. While the savings might seem small per fill, they add up over time. Some cards offer up to 10% back in points or vouchers.
Did You Know?
Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by 10-15%. On cooler days, consider using the car's ventilation system instead, or just open a window at lower speeds.
Plan Your Journeys
Combine multiple errands into one trip rather than making several separate journeys. A cold engine uses more fuel, so several short trips from a cold start consume more than one longer journey. Use sat nav to avoid traffic and find the most efficient route.
Consider When You Fill Up
Fuel prices often rise before bank holidays and school holidays when demand increases. Try to fill up mid-week and before holiday periods to avoid peak pricing. Tuesday and Wednesday typically see the lowest prices.
Keep Your Car Well Maintained
A well-serviced engine runs more efficiently. Dirty air filters, old spark plugs, and degraded oil all reduce fuel economy. Keep up with your service schedule and address any warning lights promptly. A healthy car is an economical car.
The Bottom Line
By combining these strategies, you could realistically save £500-800 per year on fuel costs. That's money back in your pocket without changing your driving habits dramatically. Start with the easiest wins – using a price comparison tool and filling up at supermarkets – and gradually adopt the other tips as they become habit.
Remember, small savings add up. Even saving just 5p per litre on every fill-up means £150+ saved over a year for the average driver. Why pay more when you don't have to?
Start Saving Today
Use Fuelwise to find the cheapest fuel prices near you right now. Enter your postcode and start saving immediately.