Portsmouth City Council City Crest

Tips on saving fuel

Petrol pump
  • Do you really need to drive? Don't use your car unless you have to, you can walk, cycle, use public transport, car pool or share vehicles with others.
  • Combine your journeys - don't make two trips if you can do it in one.
  • Maintain your car properly as a poorly tuned engine can more than double the amount of fuel it uses.
  • Check your tyre pressure as having the correct pressure can save fuel.
  • Plan your journey and avoid travelling at peak times if you can, sitting in traffic will waste fuel.
  • Know your route as you won't waste fuel getting lost or driving further than you need to.
  • Keep to a constant speed and you'll use less fuel. As a rule of thumb, a one unit increase in speed needs a three unit increase in the amount of power used.
  • Keep your speed down as the most efficient speed to drive at is 56mph, where allowed. This is also true for large vehicles and HGVs.
  • Don't idle - one minute of idling uses more fuel that starting your engine, so turn off your engine if you're waiting.
  • Use fewer electrics, as the more you use means you're using more fuel.
  • Don't carry unnecessary weight in your car and only take what you need. The heavier your car, the more fuel it'll use.
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