Ten ways to spend less on petrol and diesel

Practical ways UK drivers can cut their fuel bill, from comparing pump prices to driving style and tyre pressure.

Fuel prices vary more than most people think. Today the cheapest unleaded in the UK is 142.9p and the most expensive is 299.9p. Within a single town the gap is often 5–10p a litre.

Where you fill up

  1. Compare before you go. Check the price map before you set off, or ask a passenger to check while you drive.
  2. Avoid motorway services if you can. Motorway forecourts are averaging 186.2p for unleaded against 168.3p elsewhere. Leaving at the next junction is often cheaper.
  3. Look at supermarket forecourts. They are frequently, though not always, among the cheapest in an area.
  4. Don't drive far to save a penny. A 5 mile detour in a 45 mpg car uses about half a litre. Saving 2p a litre on 40 litres is only 80p.
  5. Use loyalty schemes. Supermarket and forecourt loyalty cards can add a few pence a litre back.

How you drive

  1. Ease off. Driving at 70 mph uses noticeably more fuel than 60 mph. Smooth acceleration and early braking help too.
  2. Check tyre pressures monthly. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and wear.
  3. Lose the weight and drag. Empty the boot and take roof boxes and bars off when you are not using them.
  4. Use air conditioning sensibly. It adds load on the engine, especially in town; at motorway speeds open windows add drag instead.
  5. Combine short trips. A cold engine is least efficient, so one longer trip beats several short ones.