Fuel Saving Tips

Small changes to your driving habits can mean big savings.

1. Fuel Matters 

 All fuels are not the same.  Your fuel economy can be improved through a combination of good driving habits and using the right fuel. When combined with the Shell FuelSave Tips, Shell fuels with fuel economy formula (such as Shell FuelSave) can help you reduce your consumption and fuel costs by helping you get more out of every drop.

2. Avoid carrying excess weight 

 You may be surprised, but every extra pound or kilogram matters and affects your fuel efficiency.  So keep your boot and back seat clear of unnecessary items that just add weight to your vehicle (e.g. golf clubs).

3. Use the correct oil 

 Always use the recommended grade of motor oil. Using the manufacturer’s recommended lubricant can improve fuel efficiency. Higher quality motor oils such as Shell Helix Ultra can also help your engine operate more efficiently.

4. Tune and service your engine and follow the guidance in your vehicle handbook 

 A well-tuned engine can improve fuel economy, so change your oil and follow your car manufacturer’s recommendation on servicing. For example, replacing a clogged air filter can improve fuel economy and will help protect your engine.

5. Keep your tyres at the right pressure 

 Correctly inflated tyres are safer and last longer. A tyre that is under inflated by 10% can reduce fuel economy.  An under or over inflated tyre is also more susceptible to failing.

6. Drive smoothly 

 Aggressive driving can use as much as a third more fuel than smooth driving. Avoid accelerating or braking too hard and try to keep your steering as smooth as possible

7. Avoid excess idling 

  Idling gets you nowhere but still burns fuel. Turn the engine off when you’re in a queue, or waiting for someone. As a rule if you think you will be stopped for more than 10 seconds, switch off your engine.

8. Plan trips carefully and avoid the rush hour 

 Cutting down on the time spent in the car is the easiest way to conserve fuel. To reduce driving time, combine all your short trips and errands into a single journey. Plus, if you can travel outside of peak times, you’ll spend less time stuck in traffic and consume less fuel as a result.

9. Use higher gears and avoid over revving

The higher the gear you drive in, the lower your engine speed, which can improve fuel efficiency. So change up a gear whenever you can, without labouring the engine. Change gear in good time when you pull away or when you’re accelerating. Never ‘redline’ the rev counter.

10. Conserve momentum and keep your distance 

 Think ahead when you’re driving. For example, slow down early to let traffic lights change, rather than stopping completely, or speed up a little before you reach the foot of a hill. Leave a sensible distance between yourself and the car ahead to give you ample time to brake evenly.

11. Use cruise control 

 Using cruise control on major roads helps you maintain a constant speed and, in many cases, will improve fuel consumption.

12. Avoid high speeds 

 The faster you go the more wind resistance you’ll encounter and the more fuel your vehicle will consume just to maintain speed. Driving just a few miles per hour under the motorway or national speed limit can improve fuel economy.

13. Use air conditioning sparingly 

 Air conditioning puts added load on the engine and uses fuel to operate, so limit use to particularly hot days. On high temperate days consider using the fan instead.

14. Keep the windows closed 

 Wind blowing through an open window will slow you down. To compensate, you may put your foot down harder, using more fuel.

15. Take the roof rack off

  If you’re not using your roof rack then remove it. They affect the aerodynamic efficiency of your vehicle by creating extra drag, reducing fuel economy.