Tips to reduce your fuel consumption and get the best prices

Forecourt fuel prices are going up due to the conflict in the Middle East. We’ve seen an increase in recent weeks, with some unleaded and diesel prices in Jersey now matching prices not seen since September 2024.

As prices are predicted to rise further, we’ve put together some tips on how to reduce your fuel consumption and get the best available price.

When the Jersey Consumer Council first started collecting forecourt prices around 15 years ago, in 2012, the highest recorded price was £1.20 per litre for unleaded petrol.

The last time prices rose significantly was during 2022, when they reached an eye-watering price of £1.98 per litre for unleaded and £1.99 for diesel.

With this in mind, if you’re not someone who drives an electric car, then it might be time to consider driving as efficiently as possible to maximise the miles you get from your fuel. Your car manual may offer some suggestions on how to optimise your specific make and model, but here are some more general tips.
 

Get the best price

• Find the forecourt closest to your house, work, or on your route, that is selling at the best price by using our price comparison website, Prices.je 
• Most forecourts with the same branding sell at the same price, but not all. Just because you can get one price in St Peter does not mean it will be the same in St John.
• Sign up for one of the free loyalty schemes offered by the suppliers, as you will often benefit from discounts or accumulate cash for use at a later date. Or use your Coop membership.

Drive wisely

• Avoid stopping and starting, if possible. Gently roll up to the red traffic light or yellow line.
• Lower your speed and drive in the highest gear for that speed (within the speed limit).
  Accelerate away slowly and, when driving, try to maintain your speed and keep the revs between 1,500 - 2,500 rpm (petrol) and 1,200 - 2,000 rpm (diesel).
• Brake gently too, rather than leaving it late and wasting energy (unless an emergency stop is required). Keep in gear when braking as this uses very little fuel.
• Keep the number of times you change gear to a minimum. Many new cars have gear change indication on the dashboard which shows the most economical gear to be driving in at any one time.
• With all our hills, it is good to know that when coming to one accelerate a little ahead of time and ease off as you drive up, which will minimise fuel consumption.

Maintain and tidy your car

• Check your tyre pressure to reduce drag and effort on your engine. The correct pressure for your vehicle will be stated in the car manual.
• Check the oil levels and get it serviced regularly.
• It’s a good time to clear out anything in the boot that you don’t need for every journey. Any extra weight uses more fuel.
• Take off the roof rack, roof box or cycle rack when they’re not being used, as these create drag and add weight.
• It’s great to support your football team, but those patriotic flags, stuck on the window or aerial, will cost you.

Don’t warm up the car

• Modern day cars don’t need to be warmed up before driving, which means you’re not wasting fuel.
• Keep the air conditioning to a minimum
• If the window is iced over, use a scraper to clear it rather than cranking up the heater to warm up the window. In the summer, open the window and let that fresh air in, although this does increase drag.
• When you do need to use the heater or cooler, keep it to a minimum, as it is one of the biggest uses of fuel.

Plan your journey

• If you’re unsure where you’re going, it’s worth using a sat nav to get you there using the quickest route. Most newer models will redirect you to avoid traffic jams or roadworks, so you don’t waste time and fuel in a traffic jam.
• Make your journey as efficient as possible by planning your stops so you don’t have to go back on yourself.

Do you really need your car?

Before setting out on long journeys, think, could I:

• Reduce the time I use my car by car-sharing?
• Use our bus service?
• Cycle or walk to work, and start my day feeling more energised?

Due to the situation in the Middle East, forecourt prices may fluctuate. On Prices.je, we carry out fuel and heating oil surveys every week. Use our site to monitor prices and make sure you’re getting the best deals.