Knowing how you can avoid wasting fuel allows you to get more for your money.
Especially if you’re making regular trips or driving long distances, knowing how to save on fuel costs is a huge advantage.
Regardless of why you’re on the road, every penny counts, and the price of fuel is so unpredictable. We’ll be discussing the price of fuel later in the blog, giving you a better insight into how the cost is calculated.
Whilst you should do your research to find the most fuel efficient cars, there are some things you can do generally to avoid wasting fuel.
Some are super easy and are probably things you have overlooked. However, when done in tandem with one another, these fuel saving tips can be really effective.
Let’s start by understanding why fuel can be so expensive.
Why Is Fuel Expensive?
If you’re wondering how fuel prices are set, and what factors make up the price of fuel, we’re summarising it below.
The price of fuel in the UK is down to the following:
- Crude oil price: This is the biggest factor, set by global supply and demand. This affects around 40-50% of the cost.
- Fuel duty: This is a fixed government tax of 52.95p per litre, regardless of oil prices.
- VAT (20%): This cost is applied on top of the total price, meaning higher fuel costs equals more VAT paid.
- Refining & distribution: This cost relates to the process of refining crude oil into fuel and transporting it to pumps.
- Retailer margins: Different fuel stations set prices based on wholesale costs and local competition.
- Exchange rates: Due to the fact oil is priced in US dollars, a weak pound makes fuel more expensive.
- Supply & demand: Seasonal trends, global events, and fuel shortages can increase fuel prices.
How You Can Avoid Wasting Fuel
From checking your tyre pressure, to switching off your AC, you can start saving fuel by following these tips below.
Look after your vehicle
Keeping your vehicle maintained means you generally use fuel more efficiently. This includes having a regular car service, checking tyre pressure, and keeping your engine in good condition to make sure everything is functioning correctly.
An advantage of purchasing a FuelQ card is having access to exclusive deals and discounts.
One of these is enjoying discounts at Halfords, ensuring your car is kept in top condition without overspending. With a fuel card, you can enjoy 7% off in-store purchases as well as a free MOT with a full or major service.
And with over 350 MOT test centres nationwide and more than 90 autocentres open 7 days a week, you can easily find a convenient location. Halfords’ specialist MOT testers will ensure your vehicle is fully inspected and meets the safety standards set by the DVSA.
This means you can save on essential maintenance while keeping your vehicle running smoothly.
Keep tyres inflated to the right pressure
Tyres that are underinflated have a higher rolling resistance on the road, meaning the more you travel, the more your tires generate friction and rolling resistance. In turn, this leads to increased fuel consumption as your engine has to work harder.
Keeping your tyres properly inflated ensures they grip the road efficiently, improving fuel consumption and helping you get more miles per litre.
Low tyre pressure can also cause uneven tyre wear, reducing their lifespan which can be costly. Regularly checking and maintaining the correct pressure not only saves you money on fuel but also improves over safety.
For the best results, check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before long journeys, using the manufacturer’s recommended PSI levels.
Drive smoothly
When you suddenly accelerate, brake, or drive fast, you’re using more fuel than necessary.
However, by driving smoothly, accelerating gradually, maintaining a steady speed, and anticipating traffic, you reduce strain on the engine and improve overall fuel efficiency. Being aware of what’s happening around you on the roads is key, as you can be better prepared for speed decreases such as the traffic lights turning red.
Using cruise control on motorways can also help maintain a consistent speed, preventing unnecessary fuel consumption as you’re keeping the engine at a steady pace.
Smooth driving not only saves fuel but also reduces general wear and tear on your vehicle, helping to lower maintenance costs over time.
Reduce your air con use
It’s recommended that you get your AC system regassed every two years as when the air con refrigerant is low, it will start blowing out warm air. This means your AC system will have to work harder as it tries to produce cold air.
In turn, this puts more pressure on your engine meaning you’re using more fuel.
Another fuel saving tip is turning off your AC when you’re in traffic. As you’re stopping and starting again, your engine is already using more fuel, so turning off your AC helps conserve it.
If you’re unsure about your air con, you can use your discount at Halfords to get it tested. This ensures your system is running effectively, helping you avoid unnecessary strain on your engine.
Prevent Idling
Idling means that your car engine continues to run, but the car is not actually moving forward. As a result, your car is still using fuel, but for no purpose.
Research has shown that when the engine is idling for more than 10 seconds, it uses more fuel than just turning your engine off. In this scenario, if you know you’re going to be sat for longer than 10 seconds, you’re better off just turning your engine off.
This is particularly important if you’re stuck in a traffic jam but you’re not moving. If you’re in the same place for a prolonged amount of time, turning your engine off can save fuel. That said, you have to apply common sense and judge whether it’s safe to do so.
By preventing unnecessary idling, you’re saving money at the pump and also helping the environment by reducing unnecessary emissions.
Combine journeys
Longer car journeys consume less fuel than shorter car journeys as you’re not stopping and starting the engine as much.
You’re also more likely to stay in one gear rather than constantly changing up and down, which uses more fuel.
Additionally, maintaining a steady speed reduces the amount of fuel burned compared to the frequent acceleration and braking that happens in stop-and-go traffic. When you’re on a long distance drive, you’re more likely to use highways or motorways with a consistent speed limit. This further helps you conserve fuel as you’re less likely to be using smaller, country roads.
Therefore, planning longer trips and avoiding shorter ones where possible, can help you save on fuel.
The RAC offers a great route planner, helping you plan one round trip rather than several shorter ones.
Remove excess weight
When you’re not using them, remove your roof bars and roof box as they create wind resistance, causing your car to consume more fuel due to the ‘drag’ effect.
Even things which might seem small can impact your fuel efficiency by reducing your miles per gallon (mpg), and this gets worse the faster you travel.
Similarly, when you’re driving with the window open it increases air resistance, causing your engine to work harder and use more fuel.
In both of these scenarios, reducing unnecessary drag can lead to big fuel savings.
How A Fuel Card Can Help
Purchasing a FuelQ card allows you to find the best fuel card deals and start making great yearly savings.
The video below explains:
- How much money your business could save
- The exclusive benefits of having a fuel card
- The 2 minute application process
It’s quick and simple as you can pay for fuel like you’re using your credit card, and as most of our fuel cards are PIN-protected, they are a much safer payment method than cash.
Lots of people are already reaping the benefits of having a fuel Q card:
How Can You Avoid Wasting Fuel? 5 Smart Driving Tips
Knowing how you can avoid wasting fuel is key to getting the most mileage.
Whether you’re driving your own vehicle or using a company vehicle, being able to save on fuel is a huge advantage.
However, it’s not just the fuel savings that are important, as by having a FuelQ card you can enjoy access to exclusive deals and discounts. It’s also a secure payment method as you don’t have to worry about carrying cash, simply insert the card (as you would a credit card) and enjoy cheaper fuel!
Apply online here for your fuel card, or contact a member of the team if you have any questions.
