Driving hack could see you use 40% less fuel and save you hundreds of pounds

Driving hack could see you use 40% less fuel and save you hundreds of pounds
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Anna Fox

By Anna Fox


Published: 09/06/2022

- 13:08

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 11:05

The hack is welcomed by millions who are struggling amid the crippling cost-of-living crisis

A savvy motorist has shared an ingenious money saving hack, which could save drivers hundreds of pounds.

Hypermiling, a method of driving that incorporates driving skills and techniques which substantially cut fuel consumption on journeys.


Examples of hypermiling include anything from smart pedal control to driving at specific speeds.

Founder of hypermiler.co.uk, Karl Dyson is a self-proclaimed expert on hypermiling, advising Brits on how they can cut their fuel consumption dramatically.

The first tip he shared with drivers is to try coasting, which is pressing the clutch while advancing forward.

Petrol prices have reached record highs
Petrol prices have reached record highs
Peter Byrne

Coasting consumes no fuel and is a favoured procedure for approaching red lights.

He added: "With the clutch depressed, you will roll further than you would if you were essentially doing in-gear coasting."

The hypermiling expert warned drivers against turning off the engine while the car is in motion.

This move is potentially dangerous, as it leaves the driver without power steering and limited control over the vehicle.

The technique described by Mr Dyson prevents the urge for harsh braking which consumes a substantial amount of fuel.

The cost-of-living crisis is crippling Brits
The cost-of-living crisis is crippling Brits
Dominic Lipinski

Road condition are to be factored into driving decisions, Mr Dyson warns.

In the interview with BBC Radio 2, Mr Dyson advised drivers to slow down and drive within speed limits, as excessive speeds consume vast amounts of fuel.

He added: "Normally peak efficiency for most vehicles is around 50 to 60mph and in cities, you will do less to the gallon."

Mr Dyson's most vital piece of advice to drivers was regarding their usage of the air conditioning while driving.

When travelling "under 40mph", Mr Dyson said Brits should wind down their windows to keep cool, but anything over this can crank the air con up.

The important point to consider when using air conditioning, Mr Dyson added, is to use the recirculation mode, meaning it will be cooling the air within your vehicle rather than cooling the hot air from outside.

Removing unnecessary weight from your vehicle is also advised, in order to reduce the money splashed out on rising fuel prices.

Removing roof bars, boxes and flags when not using them could reduce the amount paid at the pumps.

These additions slow the car down and require more fuel when they're added to the vehicle.

The tips were highlighted in the wake of rising fuel prices, amid the cost-of-living crisis which is crippling the UK.

The cost of filling an average family car with petrol could exceed £100 for the first time yesterday.

Data firm, Experian Catalist, announced a litre of petrol cost on average 180.7p yesterday morning.

The RAC confirmed the jump was the largest daily increase in over 17 years.

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