Fuel prices may have dropped slightly in recent weeks, but they still remain stubbornly high, and certainly much higher than the levels prior to the US-Iran conflict. It’s no surprise then that they’re still a major talking point for UK drivers who are feeling the squeeze. The eyewatering price of petrol and diesel combined with the high cost of living means getting the most out of every tank is more important than ever.
While we can’t wave a magic wand and give you lower fuel prices as much as we wish we could, we can tell you how to make every drop count. And the good news is that small changes to how you drive and maintain your car can make a genuine difference to your fuel consumption.
A number of factors influence how much fuel your car uses, and most of them are within your control. Driving style has a big impact, with harsh acceleration and heavy braking both using noticeably more fuel than smoother, steadier driving. Tyre pressure plays a role too, since underinflated tyres create extra rolling resistance, meaning your engine has to work harder to keep the car moving.
Regular servicing also affects economy, since issues like a dirty air filter or worn spark plugs can gradually reduce efficiency without any obvious warning sign. Even something as simple as excess weight in the boot adds up over time, particularly if you are regularly carrying items you don’t need on a day-to-day basis.
You don’t need to overhaul how you drive to see a benefit. A few adjustments go a long way:
• Accelerate smoothly rather than flooring it from a standstill
• Anticipate traffic ahead so you can ease off rather than braking hard at the last moment
• Use the correct gear for your speed, moving up through the gears rather than revving high in a low gear
• Avoid unnecessary idling, since sitting with the engine running for long periods burns fuel without getting you anywhere
These habits are particularly useful in stop-start town driving, where fuel consumption tends to be at its highest.
It’s easy to overlook the connection between your car’s mechanical condition and how much fuel it uses. Poor wheel alignment means your tyres are not rolling in the direction they should be, creating extra drag as the car works against itself slightly with every rotation. Damaged or unevenly worn tyres have a similar effect, along with reducing your grip and safety margin.
Neglected maintenance more broadly, from an overdue service to a dashboard warning light left unchecked, can also chip away at your fuel economy over time. None of these tends to appear in a blaze of breakdown glory. Instead, they build up gradually, which is exactly why regular checks are so important to catch issues early on.
Even something like uneven tyre wear from a recent kerb strike can be enough to nudge your fuel consumption in the wrong direction. It rarely feels dramatic day to day, but over a few months of driving it can add up to a noticeable amount of extra spending at the pump.
If you’ve recently hit a kerb, driven through a significant pothole or been involved in even a minor accident, it’s worth having your alignment and tyres checked, even if the car seems to be driving normally. Misalignment and tyre damage are not always obvious from behind the wheel, but they can be slowly costing you money at the pump.
The same applies if you’ve noticed your fuel consumption creeping up without an obvious explanation. It could be something simple like tyre pressure, or it could point to an alignment issue or a maintenance item that is overdue attention.
At EvolveArc we’re hugely experienced in all types of car repair from petrol and diesel to hybrid and full EV. Our team can check your alignment, inspect your tyres and make sure any accident damage has not left a hidden issue affecting your car’s efficiency. Getting these things right is good for your wallet and good for the lifespan of your tyres and suspension components. Find out more about how we can help on our step by step process page.
If you would like your alignment or tyres checked, or you have recently had a knock that might be affecting your fuel consumption, get in touch with our team. We offer a streamlined process with one point of contact for the duration of any repairs so you always know exactly what needs to be done and how much it will cost.
Get a free estimate or contact your nearest EvolveArc site today.