How to save petrol: 10 expert tips from the AA and RAC as fuel prices surge (aff)

Fuel prices are back in sharp focus as the war on Iran continues to raise fears of disruption to global oil supplies – and for UK drivers, that usually means one thing: higher costs at the pumps.

Searches for “how to save petrol” and “how to save petrol while driving” are surging, and while you can’t control petrol prices, you can control how much fuel your car uses.

In fact, long before the current fuel crisis, sparked by the US and Israel attacking Iran, some drivers had already become so focused on squeezing every possible mile out of a tank that it spawned its own term – hypermiling. It’s essentially the art of driving in the most fuel-efficient way possible, and while some take it to extremes, the core ideas are now firmly mainstream.

Guidance from the AA and RAC shows that many of these techniques are simple, practical and can make a noticeable difference to your fuel bill right now.

Here’s what actually works – and how to use it to reduce fuel costs.

1. Drive smoothly and look further ahead

If you want to save petrol while driving, the biggest change you can make is how you use your accelerator and brakes.

The AA advises drivers to look further ahead on the road and ease off early instead of braking late, while the RAC emphasises maintaining momentum wherever possible. Both point to the same outcome: fewer harsh stops and starts means lower fuel consumption.

In practice, that means anticipating traffic lights, easing into slow-moving traffic and avoiding sudden acceleration – all of which directly improve fuel economy.

2. Control your speed to cut fuel use

Speed is one of the biggest hidden drains on fuel, and it’s often overlooked.

The RAC is particularly clear on this, warning that higher speeds and aggressive acceleration significantly increase fuel use. Many cars are most efficient at around 45–50mph, rather than motorway speeds.

The AA supports this approach indirectly through its advice on smoother driving and earlier gear changes. The takeaway is simple: steady, moderate speeds are key if you want to reduce fuel costs.

3. Use higher gears earlier to improve mpg

One of the easiest fuel saving tips is changing how you use your gears.

The AA suggests shifting up earlier than usual – even around 1,000rpm sooner – to reduce fuel use over time. The RAC builds on this by explaining that engines burn more fuel at higher revs, so staying in a higher gear helps maximise efficiency.

For drivers wondering how to save petrol in everyday driving, this is one of the quickest habits to adopt.

4. Keep your tyres properly inflated

Tyre pressure has a direct impact on fuel economy, yet it’s often ignored.

Both the AA and RAC stress that incorrect tyre pressures force your car to work harder, using more fuel. The RAC also notes that both underinflated and overinflated tyres can reduce efficiency.

Checking your tyre pressure regularly is a simple way to improve mpg and reduce petrol use without changing how you drive.

5. Remove weight and reduce drag

If your car is carrying unnecessary weight, it’s using more fuel than it needs to.

The AA recommends clearing out clutter from your boot, while the RAC highlights how roof racks and boxes increase drag – especially at higher speeds.

Even small changes like removing roof bars or avoiding open windows on fast roads can help improve fuel efficiency and lower your petrol costs over time.

6. Limit air conditioning and electrical use

Air conditioning might feel essential, but it comes at a cost.

Both organisations warn that using air con, heated seats and other electrical features puts extra strain on the engine, increasing fuel consumption.

If you’re serious about saving petrol, only use these features when needed – especially on shorter journeys where efficiency is already lower.

7. Avoid idling and use stop-start properly

Leaving your engine running while stationary is one of the easiest ways to waste fuel.

The AA advises turning off your engine if you’re stopped, while the RAC adds that idling can use a surprising amount of fuel over time. Stop-start systems, often disabled by drivers, can actually help reduce fuel use if used correctly.

If you’re stuck in traffic or waiting for more than a few seconds, switching off can make a difference.

8. Use cruise control – but only on the right roads

Cruise control can help save fuel, but only in the right conditions.

The AA highlights its benefits for maintaining a steady speed on long journeys, while the RAC warns it can increase fuel use on hills where the system reacts less efficiently than a driver would.

For best results, use cruise control on flat motorways, not on varied or hilly routes.

9. Combine journeys and avoid short trips

Short journeys are one of the biggest causes of poor fuel economy.

The AA notes that engines are less efficient when cold, while the RAC suggests combining trips into one longer journey so the engine stays warm and efficient.

If you’re looking at how to save petrol day to day, reducing the number of short trips can have a bigger impact than you might expect.

10. Keep your car serviced and running efficiently

Regular maintenance isn’t just about safety – it also helps reduce fuel use.

Both the AA and RAC stress that well-maintained engines, clean filters and fresh oil all contribute to better fuel economy.

Skipping servicing might save money short term, but it can increase fuel costs over time.

What is hypermiling and should you try it?

Hypermiling is the practice of driving in the most fuel-efficient way possible, using techniques designed to maximise mpg and minimise fuel use.

At its core, it’s simply about adopting the habits outlined above – smoother driving, better anticipation, less weight and smarter journey planning.

While some drivers take hypermiling to extremes, the AA and RAC advice shows you don’t need to. Even modest changes to how you drive can significantly reduce fuel costs.

And with petrol prices under pressure again, those small gains are becoming more valuable by the day.