Does premium fuel give better MPG?

In most non-performance cars, the difference is negligible (1–3% at best) and rarely worth the extra 10p/litre. Premium fuel only delivers measurable benefits in high-performance engines designed for it.

Is it cheaper to drive with the boot full or empty?

Empty. Every 50kg of unnecessary weight costs you about 2% in fuel economy. Unload anything you don't need today.

Does engine braking save fuel?

Yes. When you lift off the accelerator in gear, modern fuel-injected cars cut fuel flow to zero. Coasting in neutral actually uses more fuel because the engine keeps running at idle.

Are EVs always cheaper to run than petrol?

Usually — home charging works out around 4–6p/mile vs 13–18p/mile for petrol. But public rapid chargers can be 60p/kWh, which closes the gap considerably.

10 Genuine Ways to Save Fuel in 2026 (UK Driver's Guide)

With UK pump prices hovering around 140p/litre for petrol and 148p/litre for diesel, a small change in driving habits can easily save the average driver £300+ a year. Here are 10 fuel-saving tips that are based on actual physics, not myths.

1. Smooth out your acceleration and braking

This is the single biggest factor. Hard acceleration burns 30–40% more fuel than gradual acceleration to the same speed. Anticipate traffic, lift off early, and use engine braking. The "egg under the pedal" mental trick really works.

2. Stick to 56–60 mph on motorways

Above 60 mph, aerodynamic drag rises exponentially. Driving at 80 mph instead of 70 mph can use 25% more fuel for the same trip. Modern cars are most efficient between 56 and 65 mph in their highest gear.

3. Keep your tyres at the right pressure

Under-inflated tyres can knock 5% off your MPG and wear out 25% faster. Check pressures monthly (when cold) against the sticker inside the driver's door. Most filling stations offer free or 50p checks.

4. Remove the roof box when you're not using it

An empty roof box can cost you up to 20% in fuel economy at motorway speeds because of the drag. Take it off when the holiday's over.

5. Don't carry junk in the boot

Every 50 kg of extra weight costs roughly 2% in fuel economy. Bags of sand, golf clubs, toolboxes, kids' bikes — if you're not using it today, take it out.

6. Use cruise control on the motorway

Cruise control maintains a steady speed better than your right foot. On flat, open motorway runs it can improve economy by 5–10%. On hills it can actually cost fuel because it gets aggressive trying to maintain speed — switch it off there.

7. Skip the warm-up idling

Modern engines don't need warming up — they hit operating temperature faster under load than at idle. Start the car and drive off gently. Idling for 5 minutes a day costs you ~£40 a year for nothing.

8. Switch off the air-con on motorways? It's complicated.

At town speeds, A/C can use 5–10% more fuel — open the windows. At motorway speeds, open windows create more drag than the A/C uses, so close them and use the A/C. Above 50 mph: A/C wins. Below 50 mph: windows win.

9. Use the cheapest fuel finder app

Forecourt prices can vary by 10p/litre even within a 2-mile radius. Apps like AI Pocket Mechanic pull live prices from over 8,500 UK stations using the government's official Fuel Finder API. A 50-litre fill at 10p less is £5 saved — every single time.

10. Plan your trips to combine journeys

A cold engine uses up to 60% more fuel in the first two miles. Combining three short trips into one means the engine warms up once instead of three times. Plan the school run + shopping + petrol station as one loop, not three separate trips.

What about "magic" fuel additives?

Most aftermarket "MPG boosters" don't deliver measurable results in independent tests. Stick to the basics: smooth driving, proper tyre pressures, light boot, and cheap fuel. That'll save you more than any £15 bottle ever will.