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| Meta Title | How to save fuel - the ultimate guide | RAC Drive |
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|
25th Mar 2026
Content guide
The cost of fuel is always a hot topic with motorists, which is why our very own
RAC Fuel Watch
team monitor it on a daily basis.
Although the ever-increasing price of petrol or diesel is something beyond our control, there are some surprisingly simple ways to save fuel - rewarding your wallet and the environment.
Buying a more fuel efficient car is one way, but not everybody has the money for a new car. To help drivers save money at the pumps, we've compiled the ultimate guide to making your current car more economical.
From speed to driving style and even keeping up with maintenance, here are 10 ways you can change your driving habits and save money. Read our latest
how to
guide to find out more.
The myRAC app features a
Fuel Finder
feature that makes it easy to find the cheapest petrol and diesel prices near you.Â
Roadside cover from ÂŁ5.29 a month*
Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns
Buy now
*
At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic).Â
^
T&Cs apply.
*
At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic).Â
^
T&Cs apply.
Top 10 ways to save fuel: a guide
1. Make sure you maintain your vehicle
Regular maintenance and
servicing
improves the efficiency of your vehicle, and therefore can improve your fuel consumption. Getting your car serviced regularly is advised, and a RAC
Mobile Mechanic
can help, or search for one of our RAC
Approved Garages
.
Itâs particularly important to
check your tyre pressures
and make sure they are inflated correctly, as indicated in your ownerâs manual, as underinflated and overinflated tyres both adversely affect fuel economy. Tyre pressures will vary depending on the load you are carrying: if you have four passengers and luggage then you will need your tyres inflated to the maximum recommended pressures.
2. Speed: know when to accelerate
It should go without saying, but the higher your speed and the more you accelerate, the more fuel your car uses. Excessive speed is by far and away the biggest factor reducing your car's fuel economy.
Obviously you should stick to the
speed limits
at a minimum, but you shouldn't be afraid to sit below the limit - it's not a target.
Drive to the conditions, too. If a 60mph speed limit road is narrow and full of potential hazards, it makes sense to keep your speed at a controlled level rather than accelerating and braking constantly.
This optimum fuel economy speed will be different for every car, but when the RAC completed itsÂ
Record Road Trip
 in the Audi A6 ultra, that particular carâs optimum fuel economy speed was 52mph in seventh gear on the flat.
While there is an ideal speed, road conditions and gradients donât often allow you to do that speed so you have to improvise and learn to adjust your driving according to the road ahead, a technique often referred to as hypermiling.
Generally speaking, there is no one driving speed which is optimum for fuel economy.
Over the years the speed of 56mph has often been talked about as being the optimum speed. This was due to the old fuel consumption test being run at three speeds: urban, 56mph and 75mph â and 56mph was always, unsurprisingly, the most efficient of these. Typically, cars are most efficient at 45-50mph.Â
3. Highest gear possible within the speed limit
While accelerating gently is good for economical driving, there is a balance. Constantly accelerating gradually isn't the best way to save fuel, most experts agree.
Instead, the best advice is to get up through the gears to your desired speed relatively quickly. That doesn't mean floor it and use all the revs, but a decent rate of acceleration allows you to reach a set cruising speed and high gear where your engine can be at its most efficient. That doesn't always apply in urban environments, though, because you'll likely have to slow down again quite quickly.
Probably the biggest secret to achieving high mpg is driving in the highest possible gear for your vehicle while keeping within the speed limit. Remember: the faster an engine spins, the more fuel it uses. With that in mind, find the balance between letting revs climb too high and letting them drop too low, where your engine starts to labour and could stall.
As well as fuel economy differing from vehicle to vehicle, it is also dependent on a number of other factors such as tyre pressure, presence of roof racks, and driving style â all of which are covered in this guide.
Get your car serviced or repaired at home
Skip the garage hassle â we come to you for:
ÂŁ25 off any car service^^
Battery testing and replacement
ÂŁ10 off battery replacements*
Get a quote
^^T&Cs apply. Offer ends 07/04/26, 9am. *T&Cs apply. Offer ends 07/04/26, 9am.
^^T&Cs apply. Offer ends 07/04/26, 9am. *T&Cs apply. Offer ends 07/04/26, 9am.
4. Anticipate: try not to lose momentum
In line with the above point, keeping the car moving at the right speed is essential to fuel economy. Obviously, this depends on traffic conditions and whatâs happening on the road ahead, but slowing down and having to accelerate again naturally uses more fuel.
The best advice is to drive as smoothly as possible, gently using the steering, accelerator and brakes. When slowing down, itâs important to remain in gear as the fuel cut-off switch in a fuel injection engine is then activated, meaning virtually no fuel is used while braking.
Try to anticipate whatâs going to happen in front of you by looking well ahead. This way youâll see the traffic lights on red meaning you can ease back on the accelerator or slow down naturally and potentially keep moving as opposed to coming to a stop. Similarly, lift off the accelerator way in advance of a tight bend to avoid excessive braking.
Driving up hills destroys fuel economy. When you spot a hill coming try to accelerate a little before you reach it (within the speed limit, of course) then ease off as you drive up. The extra momentum should be enough to minimise additional fuel consumption.
5. Does cruise control use more fuel?
Cruise control
 only aids fuel economy when driving on a constant flat surface, hence why it is usually best reserved for motorway driving.
One of the keys to saving fuel is driving at a constant speed, cruise control can do this effectively on flat surfaces, making your driving as fuel efficient as possible by negating unnecessary acceleration.
However, if you were to use your cruise control regularly, not on flat roads, you would encounter problems that would increase your fuel consumption.
This is because your cruise control would be slower to react to gradient changes, meaning when reaching the brow of a hill â at which point you would normally take your foot off the accelerator to maintain more of a constant speed when descending â your cruise control will keep the power on for a little longer as itâs unable to see the gradient change in front of you. Driving in this way regularly would lead to worse fuel consumption.
Interestingly, the most fuel-efficient roads in the country are not quiet extra-urban dual carriageways or 20mph city streets, they are motorways. This is where you can leave the car in top gear and gently cruise along, using minimal fuel.
Speed cameras
â how they work
Speed limits in the UK
: know the laws
Driving on country roads
â the ultimate guide
6. Donât get dragged down
Donât leave your roof bars and roof box on because they create wind resistance and cause your car to use more fuel through the âdragâ effect. This is increased the faster you drive.
According to the
Energy Saving Trust
an empty roof rack adds 16% drag when driving at 75mph. At the same speed a roof box adds 39%, making your vehicle much less fuel efficient.Â
Even those little flags you can affix to your vehicle to show support for your football team during the world cup can decrease your mpg.
Driving with an open window also has a similar effect.
7. Does the ACÂ and heat use fuel?
Yes, it does. Donât use your air conditioning unless you really have to as it uses engine power and therefore increases fuel consumption - this is more of a problem in older cars than the newest, most efficient air-con systems.
This goes for heat as well as cooling, so try to dress for the weather, even inside your car, if fuel efficiency is a big concern.
8. Combine journeys: a warm engine is more efficient
Consider making one round trip rather than several short trips. Once the engine is warm it will operate at its most efficient whereas several cold starts will increase fuel consumption even though the total mileage could be the same
This is why the
RACâs Record Road Trip
team kept going almost continuously, only stopping for 20 minutes at a time on the way to setting a world record of driving through 14 countries on one tank of fuel. That was 1,158.9 miles, driving at an average speed of 45mph and achieving an incredible 75.9mpg.
Visit theÂ
RAC Route Planner
 to help plan your journey in a more fuel-efficient way.
High-quality batteries fitted at your home
Skip the garage hassle â RAC Mobile Mechanics come to you!
RAC Mobile Mechanics are rated EXCELLENT and 5 stars on Trustpilot.
Get a quote
9. Lighten the load
While this isnât going to make the biggest difference to your mpg figures it stands to reason that the heavier a vehicle is, the more fuel it will use.
For that reason, donât keep unnecessary items in your boot as they all add weight to your vehicle, which is not going to help your fuel economy in the long run.
10. Use the technology
Stop-start
is a feature found in almost every petrol and diesel car made in the last few years. It's also a controversial one, with many drivers finding it annoying and disabling it.
But, used correctly, stop-start really can save you fuel. Most experts agree that if you are going to be stationary for 10 seconds or more, then letting your engine shut off and restart is more fuel efficient than leaving it idling.
The average family car can use up to half a gallon of fuel per hour when left idling - enough to travel around 25 miles.
What is hypermiling?
In light of fuel cost increases, the technique of hypermiling has been gaining popularity as fuel economy best practice.
Whilst it's got a flashy name, simply
following the tips above
 will save you money on fuel, so don't worry too much about sticking to a specific hypermiling regimen.
If your car battery keeps dying or electrical systems are acting up, it could be a faulty alternator
RAC Mobile Mechanics are rated EXCELLENT and 5 stars on Trustpilot.
Get a quote |
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# How to save fuel â the ultimate guide
[Lawrence Allan](https://www.rac.co.uk/experts/lawrence-allan)
Automotive Content Editor
5 minute read\|25th Mar 2026
Content guide
[Top 10 ways to save fuel: a guide](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/how-to/fuel-saving-tips/#top-10-ways-to-save-fuel-a-guide)
[What is hypermiling?](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/how-to/fuel-saving-tips/#what-is-hypermiling)
The cost of fuel is always a hot topic with motorists, which is why our very own [RAC Fuel Watch](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/fuel-watch/) team monitor it on a daily basis.
Although the ever-increasing price of petrol or diesel is something beyond our control, there are some surprisingly simple ways to save fuel - rewarding your wallet and the environment.
Buying a more fuel efficient car is one way, but not everybody has the money for a new car. To help drivers save money at the pumps, we've compiled the ultimate guide to making your current car more economical.
From speed to driving style and even keeping up with maintenance, here are 10 ways you can change your driving habits and save money. Read our latest [how to](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/how-to/) guide to find out more.
*The myRAC app features a* [*Fuel Finder*](myrac://motoring/fuel-finder) *feature that makes it easy to find the cheapest petrol and diesel prices near you.*
Roadside cover from ÂŁ5.29 a month\*
- Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
- We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
- Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns
[Buy now](https://www.rac.co.uk/breakdown-cover?intcid=dr-UKBD-prod)
\*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T\&Cs apply.
\*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T\&Cs apply.
## Top 10 ways to save fuel: a guide
### 1\. Make sure you maintain your vehicle
Regular maintenance and [servicing](https://www.rac.co.uk/car-care/car-service) improves the efficiency of your vehicle, and therefore can improve your fuel consumption. Getting your car serviced regularly is advised, and a RAC [Mobile Mechanic](https://www.rac.co.uk/car-care/mobile-mechanic/?utm_source=rac&source=website&utm_medium=dr-article&utm_campaign=drive_seo_article&cid=dr_seoarticlelink) can help, or search for one of our RAC [Approved Garages](https://www.rac.co.uk/approvedgarages/?utm_source=rac&source=website&utm_medium=dr-article&utm_campaign=drive_seo_article&cid=dr_seoarticlelink).
Itâs particularly important to [check your tyre pressures](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/how-to/checking-tyre-pressure/) and make sure they are inflated correctly, as indicated in your ownerâs manual, as underinflated and overinflated tyres both adversely affect fuel economy. Tyre pressures will vary depending on the load you are carrying: if you have four passengers and luggage then you will need your tyres inflated to the maximum recommended pressures.
### 2\. Speed: know when to accelerate
It should go without saying, but the higher your speed and the more you accelerate, the more fuel your car uses. Excessive speed is by far and away the biggest factor reducing your car's fuel economy.
Obviously you should stick to the [speed limits](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/legal/speed-limits/) at a minimum, but you shouldn't be afraid to sit below the limit - it's not a target.
Drive to the conditions, too. If a 60mph speed limit road is narrow and full of potential hazards, it makes sense to keep your speed at a controlled level rather than accelerating and braking constantly.
This optimum fuel economy speed will be different for every car, but when the RAC completed its [Record Road Trip](https://media.rac.co.uk/rac-and-audi-set-new-world-record-by-driving-to-14-countries-on-a-single-tank-of-fuel-1177695) in the Audi A6 ultra, that particular carâs optimum fuel economy speed was 52mph in seventh gear on the flat.
While there is an ideal speed, road conditions and gradients donât often allow you to do that speed so you have to improvise and learn to adjust your driving according to the road ahead, a technique often referred to as hypermiling.
Generally speaking, there is no one driving speed which is optimum for fuel economy.
Over the years the speed of 56mph has often been talked about as being the optimum speed. This was due to the old fuel consumption test being run at three speeds: urban, 56mph and 75mph â and 56mph was always, unsurprisingly, the most efficient of these. Typically, cars are most efficient at 45-50mph.
### 3\. Highest gear possible within the speed limit
While accelerating gently is good for economical driving, there is a balance. Constantly accelerating gradually isn't the best way to save fuel, most experts agree.
Instead, the best advice is to get up through the gears to your desired speed relatively quickly. That doesn't mean floor it and use all the revs, but a decent rate of acceleration allows you to reach a set cruising speed and high gear where your engine can be at its most efficient. That doesn't always apply in urban environments, though, because you'll likely have to slow down again quite quickly.
Probably the biggest secret to achieving high mpg is driving in the highest possible gear for your vehicle while keeping within the speed limit. Remember: the faster an engine spins, the more fuel it uses. With that in mind, find the balance between letting revs climb too high and letting them drop too low, where your engine starts to labour and could stall.
As well as fuel economy differing from vehicle to vehicle, it is also dependent on a number of other factors such as tyre pressure, presence of roof racks, and driving style â all of which are covered in this guide.
Get your car serviced or repaired at home
Skip the garage hassle â we come to you for:
- ÂŁ25 off any car service^^
- Battery testing and replacement
- ÂŁ10 off battery replacements\*
[Get a quote](https://www.rac.co.uk/car-care/booking/service/offer/serviceoffer?source=serviceoffer?intcid-dr-mon-cc-banner)
^^T\&Cs apply. Offer ends 07/04/26, 9am. \*T\&Cs apply. Offer ends 07/04/26, 9am.
^^T\&Cs apply. Offer ends 07/04/26, 9am. \*T\&Cs apply. Offer ends 07/04/26, 9am.
### 4\. Anticipate: try not to lose momentum
In line with the above point, keeping the car moving at the right speed is essential to fuel economy. Obviously, this depends on traffic conditions and whatâs happening on the road ahead, but slowing down and having to accelerate again naturally uses more fuel.
The best advice is to drive as smoothly as possible, gently using the steering, accelerator and brakes. When slowing down, itâs important to remain in gear as the fuel cut-off switch in a fuel injection engine is then activated, meaning virtually no fuel is used while braking.
Try to anticipate whatâs going to happen in front of you by looking well ahead. This way youâll see the traffic lights on red meaning you can ease back on the accelerator or slow down naturally and potentially keep moving as opposed to coming to a stop. Similarly, lift off the accelerator way in advance of a tight bend to avoid excessive braking.
Driving up hills destroys fuel economy. When you spot a hill coming try to accelerate a little before you reach it (within the speed limit, of course) then ease off as you drive up. The extra momentum should be enough to minimise additional fuel consumption.
### 5\. Does cruise control use more fuel?
[Cruise control](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/driving-advice/cruise-control/) only aids fuel economy when driving on a constant flat surface, hence why it is usually best reserved for motorway driving.
One of the keys to saving fuel is driving at a constant speed, cruise control can do this effectively on flat surfaces, making your driving as fuel efficient as possible by negating unnecessary acceleration.
However, if you were to use your cruise control regularly, not on flat roads, you would encounter problems that would increase your fuel consumption.
This is because your cruise control would be slower to react to gradient changes, meaning when reaching the brow of a hill â at which point you would normally take your foot off the accelerator to maintain more of a constant speed when descending â your cruise control will keep the power on for a little longer as itâs unable to see the gradient change in front of you. Driving in this way regularly would lead to worse fuel consumption.
Interestingly, the most fuel-efficient roads in the country are not quiet extra-urban dual carriageways or 20mph city streets, they are motorways. This is where you can leave the car in top gear and gently cruise along, using minimal fuel.
- [**Speed cameras**](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/cameras/speed-cameras/) **â how they work**
- [**Speed limits in the UK**](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/legal/speed-limits/)**: know the laws**
- [**Driving on country roads**](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/road-safety/driving-on-country-roads-your-complete-guide/) **â the ultimate guide**
### 6\. Donât get dragged down
Donât leave your roof bars and roof box on because they create wind resistance and cause your car to use more fuel through the âdragâ effect. This is increased the faster you drive.
According to the [Energy Saving Trust](https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/) an empty roof rack adds 16% drag when driving at 75mph. At the same speed a roof box adds 39%, making your vehicle much less fuel efficient.
Even those little flags you can affix to your vehicle to show support for your football team during the world cup can decrease your mpg.
Driving with an open window also has a similar effect.
### 7\. Does the AC and heat use fuel?
Yes, it does. Donât use your air conditioning unless you really have to as it uses engine power and therefore increases fuel consumption - this is more of a problem in older cars than the newest, most efficient air-con systems.
This goes for heat as well as cooling, so try to dress for the weather, even inside your car, if fuel efficiency is a big concern.
### 8\. Combine journeys: a warm engine is more efficient
Consider making one round trip rather than several short trips. Once the engine is warm it will operate at its most efficient whereas several cold starts will increase fuel consumption even though the total mileage could be the same
This is why the [RACâs Record Road Trip](https://media.rac.co.uk/rac-and-audi-set-new-world-record-by-driving-to-14-countries-on-a-single-tank-of-fuel-1177695) team kept going almost continuously, only stopping for 20 minutes at a time on the way to setting a world record of driving through 14 countries on one tank of fuel. That was 1,158.9 miles, driving at an average speed of 45mph and achieving an incredible 75.9mpg.
Visit the [RAC Route Planner](https://www.rac.co.uk/route-planner/) to help plan your journey in a more fuel-efficient way.
High-quality batteries fitted at your home
Skip the garage hassle â RAC Mobile Mechanics come to you\!
RAC Mobile Mechanics are rated EXCELLENT and 5 stars on Trustpilot.
[Get a quote](https://www.rac.co.uk/car-care/booking?utm_source=article&utm_medium=banner&utm_id=Drive)
### 9\. Lighten the load
While this isnât going to make the biggest difference to your mpg figures it stands to reason that the heavier a vehicle is, the more fuel it will use.
For that reason, donât keep unnecessary items in your boot as they all add weight to your vehicle, which is not going to help your fuel economy in the long run.
### 10\. Use the technology
[Stop-start](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/emissions/stop-start-engines-common-myths-busted/) is a feature found in almost every petrol and diesel car made in the last few years. It's also a controversial one, with many drivers finding it annoying and disabling it.
But, used correctly, stop-start really can save you fuel. Most experts agree that if you are going to be stationary for 10 seconds or more, then letting your engine shut off and restart is more fuel efficient than leaving it idling.
The average family car can use up to half a gallon of fuel per hour when left idling - enough to travel around 25 miles.
## What is hypermiling?
In light of fuel cost increases, the technique of hypermiling has been gaining popularity as fuel economy best practice.
Whilst it's got a flashy name, simply [following the tips above](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/how-to/fuel-saving-tips/#fuel-saving-tips) will save you money on fuel, so don't worry too much about sticking to a specific hypermiling regimen.
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Back to top
## Fuel
[More on this topic](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/fuel-prices/)
[Costco fuel prices](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/fuel-prices/costco-fuel-prices/)
[Morrisons fuel prices](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/fuel-prices/morrisons-fuel-prices/)
[Asda fuel prices](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/fuel-prices/asda-fuel-prices/)
[More on this topic](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/fuel-prices/)
## You might also like
[Parking Charge Notices - what you need to knowOur advice on how to properly use private car parks to ensure you do not receive a parking charge notice and what to do in the event you do receive one.](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/legal/parking-charge-notices/)
[10 steps to becoming a better driverWhether you are learning or an experienced driver, do you want to become better at it? Read on to discover how even you could be a better driver.](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/driving-advice/10-steps-to-becoming-a-better-driver/)
[Fuel prices explainedFuel price is affected by a variety of factors including the price of crude oil, international exchange rates and supply and demand around the globe.](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/fuel-prices/fuel-prices-explained/)
[Video How to check your engine coolantEngine coolant is vital to keeping your vehicle running smoothly so itâs important to know exactly how and why itâs put to use. Learn more here.](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/how-to-check-your-coolant/)
[Video How to save money as a driver â 50 quick money-saving tipsMotoring costs rocketing? Here are some quick tips to save money: some will earn you many pounds, some just a few pennies, but they all add up.](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/money-saving-motoring-tips/)
[Sainsbury's fuel pricesFuel Watch, the RAC's petrol and diesel price monitoring initiative, is monitoring the prices of fuel across Sainsbury's locations across the UK.](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/fuel-prices/sainsburys-fuel-prices/)
[Morrisons fuel pricesMorrisons fuel prices is monitored by RAC Fuel Watch, along with fuel across major supermarkets. Here, we analyse the petrol and diesel prices.](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/fuel-prices/morrisons-fuel-prices/)
[Costco fuel pricesFind and compare the latest Costco petrol and diesel prices with RAC Fuel Watch. Here are the latest fuel prices at Costco according to RAC Fuel Watch.](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/fuel-prices/costco-fuel-prices/)
[Tesco fuel pricesTesco fuel prices is monitored by RAC Fuel Watch, along with fuel across the major supermarkets. Here, we analyse the petrol and diesel prices at Tesco.](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/fuel-prices/tesco-fuel-prices/)
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| Readable Markdown | 
5 minute read\|25th Mar 2026
Content guide
The cost of fuel is always a hot topic with motorists, which is why our very own [RAC Fuel Watch](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/fuel-watch/) team monitor it on a daily basis.
Although the ever-increasing price of petrol or diesel is something beyond our control, there are some surprisingly simple ways to save fuel - rewarding your wallet and the environment.
Buying a more fuel efficient car is one way, but not everybody has the money for a new car. To help drivers save money at the pumps, we've compiled the ultimate guide to making your current car more economical.
From speed to driving style and even keeping up with maintenance, here are 10 ways you can change your driving habits and save money. Read our latest [how to](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/how-to/) guide to find out more.
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## Top 10 ways to save fuel: a guide
### 1\. Make sure you maintain your vehicle
Regular maintenance and [servicing](https://www.rac.co.uk/car-care/car-service) improves the efficiency of your vehicle, and therefore can improve your fuel consumption. Getting your car serviced regularly is advised, and a RAC [Mobile Mechanic](https://www.rac.co.uk/car-care/mobile-mechanic/?utm_source=rac&source=website&utm_medium=dr-article&utm_campaign=drive_seo_article&cid=dr_seoarticlelink) can help, or search for one of our RAC [Approved Garages](https://www.rac.co.uk/approvedgarages/?utm_source=rac&source=website&utm_medium=dr-article&utm_campaign=drive_seo_article&cid=dr_seoarticlelink).
Itâs particularly important to [check your tyre pressures](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/how-to/checking-tyre-pressure/) and make sure they are inflated correctly, as indicated in your ownerâs manual, as underinflated and overinflated tyres both adversely affect fuel economy. Tyre pressures will vary depending on the load you are carrying: if you have four passengers and luggage then you will need your tyres inflated to the maximum recommended pressures.
### 2\. Speed: know when to accelerate
It should go without saying, but the higher your speed and the more you accelerate, the more fuel your car uses. Excessive speed is by far and away the biggest factor reducing your car's fuel economy.
Obviously you should stick to the [speed limits](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/legal/speed-limits/) at a minimum, but you shouldn't be afraid to sit below the limit - it's not a target.
Drive to the conditions, too. If a 60mph speed limit road is narrow and full of potential hazards, it makes sense to keep your speed at a controlled level rather than accelerating and braking constantly.
This optimum fuel economy speed will be different for every car, but when the RAC completed its [Record Road Trip](https://media.rac.co.uk/rac-and-audi-set-new-world-record-by-driving-to-14-countries-on-a-single-tank-of-fuel-1177695) in the Audi A6 ultra, that particular carâs optimum fuel economy speed was 52mph in seventh gear on the flat.
While there is an ideal speed, road conditions and gradients donât often allow you to do that speed so you have to improvise and learn to adjust your driving according to the road ahead, a technique often referred to as hypermiling.
Generally speaking, there is no one driving speed which is optimum for fuel economy.
Over the years the speed of 56mph has often been talked about as being the optimum speed. This was due to the old fuel consumption test being run at three speeds: urban, 56mph and 75mph â and 56mph was always, unsurprisingly, the most efficient of these. Typically, cars are most efficient at 45-50mph.
### 3\. Highest gear possible within the speed limit
While accelerating gently is good for economical driving, there is a balance. Constantly accelerating gradually isn't the best way to save fuel, most experts agree.
Instead, the best advice is to get up through the gears to your desired speed relatively quickly. That doesn't mean floor it and use all the revs, but a decent rate of acceleration allows you to reach a set cruising speed and high gear where your engine can be at its most efficient. That doesn't always apply in urban environments, though, because you'll likely have to slow down again quite quickly.
Probably the biggest secret to achieving high mpg is driving in the highest possible gear for your vehicle while keeping within the speed limit. Remember: the faster an engine spins, the more fuel it uses. With that in mind, find the balance between letting revs climb too high and letting them drop too low, where your engine starts to labour and could stall.
As well as fuel economy differing from vehicle to vehicle, it is also dependent on a number of other factors such as tyre pressure, presence of roof racks, and driving style â all of which are covered in this guide.
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### 4\. Anticipate: try not to lose momentum
In line with the above point, keeping the car moving at the right speed is essential to fuel economy. Obviously, this depends on traffic conditions and whatâs happening on the road ahead, but slowing down and having to accelerate again naturally uses more fuel.
The best advice is to drive as smoothly as possible, gently using the steering, accelerator and brakes. When slowing down, itâs important to remain in gear as the fuel cut-off switch in a fuel injection engine is then activated, meaning virtually no fuel is used while braking.
Try to anticipate whatâs going to happen in front of you by looking well ahead. This way youâll see the traffic lights on red meaning you can ease back on the accelerator or slow down naturally and potentially keep moving as opposed to coming to a stop. Similarly, lift off the accelerator way in advance of a tight bend to avoid excessive braking.
Driving up hills destroys fuel economy. When you spot a hill coming try to accelerate a little before you reach it (within the speed limit, of course) then ease off as you drive up. The extra momentum should be enough to minimise additional fuel consumption.
### 5\. Does cruise control use more fuel?
[Cruise control](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/driving-advice/cruise-control/) only aids fuel economy when driving on a constant flat surface, hence why it is usually best reserved for motorway driving.
One of the keys to saving fuel is driving at a constant speed, cruise control can do this effectively on flat surfaces, making your driving as fuel efficient as possible by negating unnecessary acceleration.
However, if you were to use your cruise control regularly, not on flat roads, you would encounter problems that would increase your fuel consumption.
This is because your cruise control would be slower to react to gradient changes, meaning when reaching the brow of a hill â at which point you would normally take your foot off the accelerator to maintain more of a constant speed when descending â your cruise control will keep the power on for a little longer as itâs unable to see the gradient change in front of you. Driving in this way regularly would lead to worse fuel consumption.
Interestingly, the most fuel-efficient roads in the country are not quiet extra-urban dual carriageways or 20mph city streets, they are motorways. This is where you can leave the car in top gear and gently cruise along, using minimal fuel.
- [**Speed cameras**](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/cameras/speed-cameras/) **â how they work**
- [**Speed limits in the UK**](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/legal/speed-limits/)**: know the laws**
- [**Driving on country roads**](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/road-safety/driving-on-country-roads-your-complete-guide/) **â the ultimate guide**
### 6\. Donât get dragged down
Donât leave your roof bars and roof box on because they create wind resistance and cause your car to use more fuel through the âdragâ effect. This is increased the faster you drive.
According to the [Energy Saving Trust](https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/) an empty roof rack adds 16% drag when driving at 75mph. At the same speed a roof box adds 39%, making your vehicle much less fuel efficient.
Even those little flags you can affix to your vehicle to show support for your football team during the world cup can decrease your mpg.
Driving with an open window also has a similar effect.
### 7\. Does the AC and heat use fuel?
Yes, it does. Donât use your air conditioning unless you really have to as it uses engine power and therefore increases fuel consumption - this is more of a problem in older cars than the newest, most efficient air-con systems.
This goes for heat as well as cooling, so try to dress for the weather, even inside your car, if fuel efficiency is a big concern.
### 8\. Combine journeys: a warm engine is more efficient
Consider making one round trip rather than several short trips. Once the engine is warm it will operate at its most efficient whereas several cold starts will increase fuel consumption even though the total mileage could be the same
This is why the [RACâs Record Road Trip](https://media.rac.co.uk/rac-and-audi-set-new-world-record-by-driving-to-14-countries-on-a-single-tank-of-fuel-1177695) team kept going almost continuously, only stopping for 20 minutes at a time on the way to setting a world record of driving through 14 countries on one tank of fuel. That was 1,158.9 miles, driving at an average speed of 45mph and achieving an incredible 75.9mpg.
Visit the [RAC Route Planner](https://www.rac.co.uk/route-planner/) to help plan your journey in a more fuel-efficient way.
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### 9\. Lighten the load
While this isnât going to make the biggest difference to your mpg figures it stands to reason that the heavier a vehicle is, the more fuel it will use.
For that reason, donât keep unnecessary items in your boot as they all add weight to your vehicle, which is not going to help your fuel economy in the long run.
### 10\. Use the technology
[Stop-start](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/emissions/stop-start-engines-common-myths-busted/) is a feature found in almost every petrol and diesel car made in the last few years. It's also a controversial one, with many drivers finding it annoying and disabling it.
But, used correctly, stop-start really can save you fuel. Most experts agree that if you are going to be stationary for 10 seconds or more, then letting your engine shut off and restart is more fuel efficient than leaving it idling.
The average family car can use up to half a gallon of fuel per hour when left idling - enough to travel around 25 miles.
## What is hypermiling?
In light of fuel cost increases, the technique of hypermiling has been gaining popularity as fuel economy best practice.
Whilst it's got a flashy name, simply [following the tips above](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/how-to/fuel-saving-tips/#fuel-saving-tips) will save you money on fuel, so don't worry too much about sticking to a specific hypermiling regimen.
If your car battery keeps dying or electrical systems are acting up, it could be a faulty alternator
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| Shard | 27 (laksa) |
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