Saving fuel is not just an economic benefit; it’s also an environmental benefit.

Setting out some basic actions that can improve fuel consumption is a must for learners and new drivers.

After all, they are usually reeling from the cost of learning, taking the test and then buying and insuring a car.

Filling up is a drain

Maintaining a consistently filled vehicle can strain budgets as living expenses climb, particularly for daily users.

While seeking out the most economical fuel options helps, significant savings can also come from tweaking driving habits.

Zego has provided a useful set of essential tips that could prove a great prompt sheet for new drivers.

Don’t be idle

Idling refers to keeping your engine running while your vehicle is stationary.

If you are in traffic that has been at a standstill for more than a minute, consider switching off the engine until you can start moving again.  

 A common misconception is that turning your engine on and off burns more fuel than leaving it idling, but this isn’t the case.

Many modern cars now feature ‘stop-start’ technology to automatically switch the engine off when at a standstill to reduce fuel consumption in the same way.

 Plan ahead  

Where possible, combine multiple trips into one journey, rather than doing several smaller ones.

Not only should this save you time, but it can also help to conserve fuel since the engine is already warm, so you won’t have to do several cold starts.

When an engine starts from cold, it uses considerably more fuel than when it is running at normal temperature.

This is especially the case in winter months.

It’s also worth checking route finders and map services before setting off to find the most economical route and avoid heavy traffic and congestion.

 A route with fewer hills, less traffic and more constant speeds while adding just a couple of minutes to your journey. 

Smoothly does it  

Every time you brake and accelerate again, the engine uses up more fuel.

If you see traffic up ahead, slow down early by coming off the accelerator while keeping the car in gear.

The traffic may have started moving again when you approach the vehicle in front, so you can change gear and continue driving. 

Driving at a constant speed on motorways or dual carriageways should also help to preserve fuel, rather than speeding up and slowing down frequently.

If your car has a cruise control feature, you should use it to maintain a consistent speed. 

 Cutting your speed can also help to cut fuel consumption.

According to the AA, dropping from 70mph to 60mph on major roads can cut fuel consumption by around 9%, and you may also be able to react more quickly to potential hazards. 

Under pressure  

Keeping your tyres in good condition is essential because they are the only part of your vehicle in constant contact with the road.

You should aim to check them at least once a week for any damage and to ensure they are at the correct pressure. 

 Under-inflated tyres can significantly impact fuel consumption by creating more resistance when the car is moving.

This uses up more fuel because the engine needs to work harder.

Simply keeping your tyres at the correct pressure can significantly affect how much fuel you save when driving.

 You will also prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the drivers, saving you from replacing them earlier than expected.

Gearing up 

If you have a manual car, make full use of the gears by changing them when it is most effective.

When slowing down, it is important to remain in gear, as the fuel cut-off switch in a fuel injection engine is activated, meaning little to no fuel is used while braking. 

 You should try to stay in high gear as much as possible, while adhering to the speed limit, and avoid straining the engine by being in high gear when a lower gear is needed.

Changing the gears up and down when the engine is not fully engaged can also use up unnecessary fuel. 

 Energy Saving Trust recommends shifting to a high gear early when accelerating, usually at around 2,000 to 2,500 revs per minute. They also suggest skipping gears when appropriate, like from 3rd to 5th or 4th to 6th. 

Fresh air 

Driving with the windows open versus having the air con on is a highly contested topic when it comes to their effect on fuel consumption.

However, one 2013 study from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) found that cars travelling between 40 – 70mph with the air conditioning on actually use more fuel than having the windows open at equivalent speeds.

This can add up with prolonged air con usage across a hot summer, especially when driving regularly for work or leisure.

Therefore, if it’s warm and you’re looking to save fuel, this research suggests opening the windows is a better option than blasting your A/C.

 Deadweight

The weight of your vehicle can negatively affect how much fuel you use, as your engine needs to work harder.

Consider removing any unnecessary items from the boot, footwell, and seats.

Items could include storing sports equipment, tools, or heavy clothing in the boot or on the back seat.  

Remove anything that creates unnecessary air resistance and causes drag on your vehicle.

Cars are designed to be as aerodynamic as possible, but unused roof boxes and bike racks can both have a negative impact, particularly at high speeds.

According to the Vehicle Certification Agency, a roof box typically adds around 22% to fuel consumption at 62mph and 39% at 75mph.