How to reduce petrol costs at the pump

Petrol costs place a significant strain on motorists’ budgets, yet several straightforward measures can make every visit to the filling station less expensive.

The total on the pump is not determined solely by the price per litre. Where you fill up, your car’s condition and your driving style all have a tangible effect. A few easily adopted routines can prevent litres being wasted without disrupting everyday journeys.

Compare prices before setting off

The same fuel can be noticeably more expensive only a few miles away. Differences of two or three pence a litre may appear minor, but they soon add up. For a 50-litre tank, an 8-pence difference already amounts to £4. Applied several times a month, that is far from insignificant.

Petrol stations on motorways regularly charge higher prices. They operate on the basis of immediate convenience: drivers stop because they need fuel, rather than because they have checked the alternatives. Where the journey allows, it is better to plan your fill-up before joining the motorway or after leaving it.

“Comparing prices takes only a few moments and can prevent you from paying several pounds too much every time you fill the tank.”

Supermarkets often offer competitive prices, particularly during promotional campaigns. Independent petrol stations are also worth checking, as they can be good value in rural areas or near towns and cities. The aim is not to drive 20 kilometres out of your way to save £1. Instead, identify the good-value outlets along your usual route.

Do not wait until the last drop

Driving until the fuel warning light comes on limits your options. When you are in a hurry, you will choose the nearest station, often without checking its prices. Keeping some fuel in reserve gives you time to pick a suitable station during a planned journey.

Equally, there is no need to fill the tank to the brim every time if the vehicle will then carry unnecessary weight. Fuel is heavy. A full tank is essential for long trips, but a car used only in town does not always need to travel with its tank permanently full.

Properly inflated tyres make a genuine difference

Tyres should be the first item checked. When they are underinflated, they flatten more against the road surface. This deformation raises rolling resistance, requiring the engine to use more energy to maintain the same speed.

Tyre pressure should ideally be checked monthly, always when the tyres are cold. Recommended pressures are usually shown on a label inside the door frame, close to the fuel filler flap, or in the vehicle handbook. They may differ according to the number of passengers and the load being carried.

• Check the pressure before a long journey;
• Inspect the spare wheel too, where the vehicle has one;
• Follow the specified pressure for a loaded vehicle;
• Check the tread for wear and look for any cuts.

Correct inflation also helps tyres last longer. It improves road holding and may reduce uneven wear. It is therefore beneficial for fuel costs as well as safety.

Maintain the engine before a fault develops

An engine cannot operate at its best when certain parts are dirty or unsuitable. The air filter, for instance, stops dust entering the engine. If it becomes too clogged, airflow is restricted and combustion becomes less efficient.

Engine oil also affects fuel use. It lubricates moving components and reduces friction. Oil that meets the manufacturer’s recommendations supports efficient mechanical operation. By contrast, selecting a product at random or delaying an oil change for too long can prove costly, both at the pump and in the garage.

Ease off the accelerator at the right time

Driving behaviour has a direct impact on the amount of fuel used. Harsh pull-aways, rapid acceleration and late braking all require more energy. Smoother driving, on the other hand, makes better use of the car’s momentum.

When approaching traffic lights, a roundabout or a traffic queue, gradually lifting off the accelerator can often avoid the need for sharp braking. The vehicle slows naturally. In many recent models, fuel injection may also be cut off while the car remains in gear and decelerates.

“Looking well ahead makes it possible to anticipate slowing traffic: fewer unnecessary braking events often mean fewer costly accelerations immediately afterwards.”

Speed has an especially strong effect on motorways

At high speeds, air becomes an energy-hungry opponent. Aerodynamic resistance rises sharply as speed increases. Slightly reducing your motorway speed can therefore lower fuel consumption while also making the journey less tiring.

Equipment mounted on the roof makes this effect worse. An empty roof rack, crossbars or a roof box all create turbulence. Removing them after a holiday avoids carrying an accessory all year round that reduces fuel economy.

Reduce hidden fuel consumption

Air conditioning provides welcome comfort, but it places an extra demand on the engine. Its impact on fuel consumption can be particularly noticeable in town, where stopping and pulling away are frequent. In mild weather, natural ventilation or the standard fan may be enough.

At higher speeds, driving with the windows fully open also harms aerodynamics. The right choice therefore depends on the conditions: in slow-moving traffic, opening the windows slightly remains a simple option; on faster roads, air conditioning set to a sensible level may be more appropriate.

Finally, there is no benefit in leaving the engine running for several minutes while stationary, except in a particular situation involving safety or the vehicle itself. Switching off during a prolonged wait prevents fuel being burned without travelling a single metre. Over a year, these small habits make every tankful a little less painful.