10 ways to save money on fuel in the UK
Ten practical ways to spend less on petrol and diesel, with no car upgrade required.
Key points
- Where you fill up matters most. Prices between nearby stations often differ by 10p a litre or more.
- Supermarkets are usually cheapest; motorway services are usually dearest.
- Smooth driving, correct tyre pressures and a lighter car cut how much fuel you use.
Pay less per litre
1. Compare prices before you fill up
In late September 2026, the cheapest tenth of UK stations sold unleaded (E10) at 152.9p or less, while the priciest tenth charged 165.9p or more. That is a 13p gap, or over £7 on a 55-litre tank. Check live petrol prices or diesel prices before you set off.
2. Use supermarket forecourts
Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons price fuel keenly to bring shoppers in. See how they compare in our supermarket fuel guide.
3. Avoid motorway services
Motorway fuel is often 15p a litre or more above nearby towns. On a long journey, come off at a junction and fill up there.
4. Use the right fuel
Most petrol cars run fine on standard E10. Unless your handbook says otherwise, super unleaded and premium diesel cost more for little benefit. See E10 vs E5 explained.
5. Use a loyalty card, but don't chase points
Clubcard, Nectar and similar schemes are free and add a little on top. They are never worth a dearer price per litre. See best fuel cards.
Use less fuel
6. Drive smoothly
Hard acceleration and late braking waste fuel. Look ahead, ease off early and hold a steady speed.
7. Check your tyre pressures
Under-inflated tyres add rolling resistance. Check them monthly against the figure on your door sill or fuel flap.
8. Lose the extra weight and drag
Clear out the boot and take off roof bars and boxes when you're not using them.
9. Use cruise control on flat motorways
A constant speed is more efficient. Switch it off on hilly roads, where it can use more fuel.
10. Don't idle
If you're parked and waiting, switch off. Modern engines don't need warming up; gentle driving warms them fastest.
What it adds up to
Fill a 55-litre tank once a week and find fuel 5p a litre cheaper: that's £2.75 a fill, or about £143 a year. Add smoother driving and the saving grows without changing your car.
Tanki's Best value sort (Pro) weighs the price against the fuel you'd burn driving there, so a cheap station further away only ranks higher when it really saves you money.
Questions
How much can I save by comparing fuel prices?
Finding fuel 5p a litre cheaper on a 55-litre weekly fill saves £2.75 a time, or about £143 a year.
Is it worth driving further for cheaper fuel?
Only if the saving beats the fuel you burn getting there. A 1p-a-litre saving is rarely worth a detour; 5p or more a mile or two away usually is.