Fuel-Efficient Driving
What is Fuel-Efficient Driving?
The car remains a central part of daily life, but electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more available and affordable.
Until they completely replace internal combustion engines, you can still reduce your impact through fuel-efficient driving.
Fuel-efficient driving — sometimes called eco-driving — is a proven technique that enhances road safety, reduces emissions, and cuts fuel costs.
The key principle is planning ahead. Anticipating hazards early allows you to use your vehicle’s momentum and engine braking efficiently, reducing the need for harsh acceleration or braking.
Hazard Awareness & Planning
Develop strong observation and planning habits:
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Continuously scan your surroundings — near, middle, and far distance.
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Check mirrors frequently to monitor vehicles behind and alongside.
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Anticipate potential hazards early and act calmly and smoothly.
This approach helps you avoid:
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Late braking
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Harsh acceleration
Both actions increase fuel consumption and pollution.
Maintain a safe following distance. When the vehicle ahead slows, simply ease off the accelerator rather than braking immediately — your vehicle will naturally slow while using less fuel.
Early hazard recognition allows smoother driving, which:
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Reduces sudden braking
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Improves traffic flow
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Lowers fuel use
Starting Up & Driving Away
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Avoid over-revving the engine when starting or moving off.
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Don’t leave the engine idling unnecessarily — switch it off if you’ll be stationary for more than a few seconds.
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If your car has stop-start technology, keep it activated. It automatically turns the engine off in queues, saving fuel and reducing noise.
Choosing Your Speed
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Always stay within speed limits — exceeding them increases fuel use and risk of collision.
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Driving at 70 mph (112 km/h) can use 15% more fuel than driving at 50 mph (80 km/h).
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Avoid driving so slowly that you inconvenience other road users.
Cruise Control:
If fitted, use it when appropriate. Cruise control maintains a steady speed efficiently and helps you stay within limits.
Avoid using it in heavy traffic, wet, or slippery conditions, as your feet may not be in normal control positions.
Using the Accelerator
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Apply the accelerator smoothly and progressively.
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When safe, lift off the accelerator and let momentum carry you forward — especially on downhill stretches.
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Avoid rapid acceleration or heavy braking, which waste fuel and increase emissions.
Driving smoothly can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15%, and also reduces wear on your vehicle.
Selecting Gears
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Change up early and smoothly — use the highest suitable gear without making the engine strain.
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You can often skip gears when conditions allow (“block gear changing”), for example moving from 2nd to 4th.
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Many modern cars display gear change indicators — follow these for maximum efficiency.
Checking Fuel Consumption
Monitor your vehicle’s fuel efficiency regularly:
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Reset your trip computer each time you fill up.
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Compare distance travelled with fuel added.
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Many cars display real-time average consumption, which helps track performance.
A noticeable increase in fuel use may mean your car needs servicing.
Efficient drivers are always aware of how their vehicle performs.
Tip: Your car’s trip computer is a simple but powerful tool for tracking and improving fuel economy.
Engine Braking & Engine Power
When you release the accelerator completely, the engine receives only minimal fuel, and its natural compression resistance slows the car — a process known as engine braking.
Using this technique helps maintain control while conserving fuel.
Modern engines deliver good performance even at low revs.
Where possible, use higher gears at lower speeds without making the engine labour — this maximises efficiency.
Route Planning
Plan your route carefully to avoid delays, congestion, and unnecessary mileage:
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Use maps, route planners, or sat navs to find the most efficient route.
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Some sat navs offer eco-route options — these may add a few miles but reduce travel time, stress, and fuel use.
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Plan your parking before you travel to reduce wasted time and emissions.
Well-planned routes:
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Shorten journeys and reduce emissions
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Minimise fuel use
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Reduce stress and improve punctuality
Where possible, use less congested routes or those managed by traffic flow technology, which can reduce stop-start driving.
Minimise Drag
Remove roof racks, roof boxes, or cycle carriers when not in use.
At motorway speeds, a roof box can increase fuel consumption by over 30%.
Air Conditioning and Climate Control
Air conditioning improves comfort but increases fuel use by around 5%.
Modern climate control systems adjust airflow automatically to maintain temperature and humidity efficiently.
In hot conditions, they can reduce driver fatigue and stress, improving safety.
Air Conditioning and Climate Control
If you’re stopped for more than a few seconds — at a level crossing, in queues, or at roadworks — switch off your engine.
Idling burns more fuel than stopping and restarting.
Stop-Start Technology
Vehicles equipped with stop-start systems automatically shut down the engine when stationary and restart it when needed.
Keep this feature enabled to reduce emissions and fuel waste.
Parking Efficiently
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Reverse into parking spaces when the engine is warm. This means you can drive out forwards when it’s cold, saving fuel.
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This also improves visibility and safety when leaving the space.
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Avoid unnecessary manoeuvring with a cold engine — it consumes more fuel.