Practical ways to improve fuel economy and boost real-world MPG.
To improve fuel economy, drive smoothly, keep tyres at the recommended pressure, remove unnecessary weight, and stay on top of servicing. These changes can increase real-world MPG and lower your cost per mile. Start by measuring your baseline MPG, then track one change at a time so you can see what actually works.
If you're looking to improve fuel economy and get better MPG, this guide breaks down the biggest levers first. With fuel prices still high, small habit and maintenance changes can make a measurable difference over the year.
Not sure what MPG you should be aiming for? Check out our guide on what is a good MPG to see how your car compares. Then use the steps below to close the gap and turn better fuel economy into lower weekly fuel spend.
Focus on driving style, vehicle condition, and avoidable drag or weight to improve fuel economy consistently.
Proper vehicle maintenance plays a crucial role in maximizing fuel efficiency. Regularly servicing your car, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and tyre rotations, ensures that all components are working optimally. Neglecting maintenance can lead to decreased MPG due to engine inefficiencies and increased friction.
Our driving habits also significantly impact fuel efficiency. Here are some tips to consider:
The weight carried by your vehicle affects its MPG. Avoid carrying unnecessary items in the boot or roof rack as they increase aerodynamic drag and decrease efficiency.
Maintaining proper tyre pressure is often overlooked but has a significant impact on fuel economy. Underinflated tyres create more rolling resistance, requiring more energy from the engine. Check regularly and inflate to recommended levels.
Choosing the appropriate grade of fuel can make a difference. Using higher octane fuel than necessary (premium) often does not provide any added MPG benefits for standard vehicles and only leads to unnecessary expenses.
Tyres inflated just 6 psi (about 0.4 bar) below the recommended pressure can produce a 3% increase in fuel consumption, costing UK drivers over £600 million each year.
RAC reports that an empty roof rack adds around 16% drag at 75 mph, while a roof box adds around 39% at the same speed.
RAC estimates an average family car can use up to half a gallon of fuel per hour when idling (about 2.3 litres) — enough to drive around 25 miles.