Cost of living: Top tips on how to make petrol last longer - including watching your speed and no short trips

The cost of living crisis has most of us looking to save money wherever we can, and it’s no secret that cars can be a money sink. Keeping your vehicle tip top with regular maintenance, services and MOTs can really add up, and that’s before even factoring in the price of fuel.

Petrol prices shot up last year, but are now finally taking a dip as inflation slows. Inflation fell slightly to 10.5% in December from 10.7% in November, according to the Office of National Statistics, with falling fuel prices helping UK inflation ease back again.

That being said, as food and energy prices remain at record rates, it’s handy to know how to make a tank of petrol last as long as possible. Experts at A-Plan Insurance have shared their top tips, from watching your speed to avoiding short trips.

Watch your speed

The RAC says driving at 45 – 50mph is the most efficient speed for fuel consumption, not the ‘56mph myth’ many have been adhering to. According to the Department for Transport, driving at 70mph uses up to 9% more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15% more than at 50mph. 80mph can use up to 25% more than at 70mph. Use cruise control for motorway driving if you have it.

Watch your gears

Change up and down multiple gears at a time and change to the highest suitable gear as soon as you can to avoid over-revving. The AA advises against coasting, where you engage ‘neutral’ or drive with the clutch held down, deeming it unsafe and unlikely to save you any fuel.

Accelerate and brake gently

Developing a smooth driving technique is a great way to save on fuel. If you’re approaching traffic lights, for example, slow down early so that they may have changed by the time you reach them, meaning you might not need to stop at all.