Looking for an easy way to save money and reduce your carbon footprint? Start with your car. Improving your fuel efficiency doesn’t require expensive upgrades—it just takes a few small changes in how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
Whether you drive a compact city car or a heavy-duty SUV, these smart driving habits and fuel-saving tips can help you get more kilometres out of every tank—and reduce your emissions too.
1. Drive Smoothly and Avoid Harsh Braking
One of the easiest ways to reduce fuel usage is by adopting a smoother driving style. Accelerate gently, anticipate stops early, and avoid slamming the brakes. Aggressive driving burns fuel faster and wears out components like brake pads and tyres more quickly.
2. Use the Right Gear for Your Speed
Staying in the correct gear is essential for fuel economy. Generally, higher gears are more fuel-efficient, but shifting too early can cause the engine to work harder (known as “labouring” or “slogging”). Listen to your engine and watch your rev counter to shift appropriately.
3. Lighten the Load and Improve Aerodynamics
Extra weight means extra fuel. Remove unnecessary items from the boot, and take off that roof box, bike rack, or roof bars if you’re not using them. These can significantly increase drag and reduce your car’s miles per gallon (MPG).
4. Skip the Air-Con (When You Can)
Air conditioning uses extra engine power, especially at low speeds, and can noticeably reduce fuel efficiency. When driving in the city, consider opening the windows instead. But at higher speeds (like on the motorway), using air-con is usually more efficient than open windows, which create aerodynamic drag.
5. Keep Your Tyres Properly Inflated
Under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder to move the car forward. Check your tyre pressure regularly and adjust it based on the type of driving you’re doing (city, motorway, or carrying heavy loads). Your car manual or driver-side door sticker will provide the correct PSI levels.
6. Turn Off the Engine When Stationary
If you’re waiting in traffic or at a level crossing for more than 60 seconds, consider switching off the engine—if it’s safe to do so. Idling wastes fuel and increases pollution. Many modern vehicles have stop-start technology built in for this reason.
7. Choose Cheaper Fuel—Smartly
Did you know supermarket fuel is usually cheaper than branded options? Research shows the quality difference is minor for most drivers. Unless your vehicle requires premium fuel, opting for standard-grade petrol or diesel can help lower your monthly costs without harming performance.
Bonus Tip: Regular Maintenance Matters
A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Replacing dirty air filters, changing oil on schedule, and keeping spark plugs in good condition can all help maintain optimal fuel economy. Consider booking a tune-up if your fuel efficiency is starting to dip.
Becoming a more efficient driver isn’t just about saving a few euro at the pump—it’s about driving smarter, safer, and greener. Start with one or two of these tips and you’ll soon notice the difference. And remember, a more fuel-efficient car is also a better-protected one, so don’t forget to keep your car insurance up to date.