With fuel prices in April 2026 averaging around GBP 1.55 per litre for petrol and GBP 1.62 per litre for diesel, the way you drive can make a significant difference to your annual motoring costs. Eco driving — sometimes called smooth driving or efficient driving — is a set of techniques that can reduce fuel consumption by 15 to 25 percent without significantly affecting journey times. This practical guide shows you exactly how to do it.

What Is Eco Driving?

Eco driving is a driving style that prioritises efficiency over speed. It involves anticipating traffic conditions, minimising unnecessary acceleration and braking, and maintaining the car in a condition that reduces energy waste. The benefits extend beyond fuel savings — eco driving reduces tyre wear, lowers brake wear, reduces emissions and is generally safer than aggressive driving.

Anticipation Is the Key Skill

The single most important eco driving technique is anticipation. By looking well ahead and reading the road, you can adjust your speed proactively rather than reacting at the last moment:

  • Watch traffic lights from a distance — slow down if the lights are red rather than braking hard
  • Look for brake lights on the road ahead and ease off the accelerator early
  • Anticipate roundabouts — slow down naturally rather than braking hard on approach
  • On motorways, maintain a steady speed in the highest practical gear
  • On hills, build speed before the incline and use gravity on the descent

Gear Changing for Efficiency

For manual transmission drivers, gear selection has a significant impact on fuel consumption:

  • Change up early: Modern engines run most efficiently in the 2,000 to 2,500 rpm range. Change up as soon as the engine is comfortable in a higher gear
  • Avoid high revs: Revving above 3,000 rpm significantly increases fuel consumption without meaningfully improving performance
  • Skip gears where appropriate: Moving from second to fourth gear when accelerating gently is perfectly fine for modern engines
  • Use the highest practical gear: Driving in fifth or sixth gear at low speeds is hard on the engine, but as soon as speed allows, get into the highest gear possible

Speed and Fuel Consumption

The relationship between speed and fuel consumption is not linear — it accelerates rapidly once you exceed 70mph. Studies consistently show that driving at 80mph uses approximately 25 percent more fuel than driving at 70mph. At 60mph, fuel consumption is typically 10 to 15 percent lower than at 70mph.

On a 100-mile motorway journey, driving at 70mph instead of 80mph could save you around GBP 5 to GBP 8 in fuel, depending on your vehicle. That adds up to several hundred pounds per year for regular motorway drivers.

Tyre Pressure and Fuel Efficiency

Under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance, which directly increases fuel consumption. Check your tyre pressures at least monthly, and always before a long journey:

  • Under-inflated tyres by just 5 psi can increase fuel consumption by 2 to 3 percent
  • Always check pressures when the tyres are cold — driving heats up tyres and increases pressure
  • Follow the manufacturer's recommended pressure — it is often different from the maximum tyre pressure shown on the tyre sidewall
  • Check the pressure for the load you are carrying — heavier loads require higher pressure

The Impact of Excess Weight

Every extra 50kg of weight in your car increases fuel consumption by approximately 1 to 2 percent. Regularly check your boot and back seats for items you do not need to carry:

  • Remove roof boxes when not in use — a roof box at motorway speeds can increase fuel consumption by 10 to 20 percent
  • Clear out sports equipment, tools, and other items that accumulate over weeks of ownership
  • A detachable tow bar used without a trailer still adds aerodynamic drag

Air Conditioning and Auxiliary Power

Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by 5 to 10 percent in urban driving. In hot weather, use the recirculation setting to cool the car more efficiently, and open windows at lower speeds where safe to do so. At motorway speeds, the aerodynamic cost of open windows exceeds the benefit of turning off the air conditioning.

Engine Idling and Restarts

Modern engines start efficiently and do not benefit from extended idling. In 2026, all new cars have automatic stop-start systems that turn off the engine when stationary. Older vehicles should not be idled for more than 30 seconds — restarting the engine uses less fuel than idling for more than a few seconds.

Regular Maintenance

A well-maintained car is a fuel-efficient car:

  • Oil: Use the manufacturer's recommended grade of engine oil — wrong viscosity can increase consumption by 5 percent
  • Air filter: A clogged air filter reduces engine efficiency and increases consumption
  • Spark plugs: Worn spark plugs misfire and waste fuel — replace at the recommended interval
  • Wheel alignment: Poor alignment creates uneven tyre wear and rolling resistance

Calculate Your Savings

Using the CarTax.online fuel calculator, you can estimate how much you spend on fuel per year and how much eco driving techniques could save you. Based on average UK driving patterns, adopting eco driving techniques could save the typical driver between GBP 300 and GBP 600 per year in reduced fuel costs alone.