With fuel prices continuing to grow, most drivers are on the lookout for ways to spend less at the bowser. The good news is that you don’t need a new car to make a real difference. Small changes to how you drive and maintain your vehicle can dramatically cut your fuel consumption.

In short, most fuel savings come down to three things: how you drive, how well you maintain your car, and the car itself. Below, we break each of these down so you can start saving straight away.

What affects your car’s fuel economy?

A number of factors influence how much fuel your car uses, including:

• Driving style: harsh acceleration and braking burn more fuel
• Tyre pressure: under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance
• Vehicle weight: carrying unnecessary items adds load
• Aerodynamics: roof racks and open windows create drag
• Servicing: a well-maintained engine runs more efficiently
• Vehicle and engine size: smaller engines generally use less fuel

You’ll often hear the terms ‘fuel consumption’ and ‘fuel economy’ used. They describe the same thing from different angles: fuel consumption is usually measured in litres per 100 kilometres (L/100km), how much fuel your car uses over a distance. Fuel economy refers more broadly to how efficiently your car uses that fuel. A lower L/100km figure means better fuel economy.

7 ways to reduce fuel usage

Keep tyres properly inflated

Under-inflated tyres create more resistance, forcing your engine to work harder. Checking your tyre pressure monthly against the levels listed in your owner’s manual or on the driver’s door sticker can help reduce overall fuel consumption.

Cut excess weight

Extra weight means your engine works harder, burning more fuel. Clear out anything you don’t need from your boot or backseat, especially if it is heavy and you’re carrying it around daily.

Drive smoothly

Easing off the accelerator and braking gradually, rather than harsh, reactive driving, reduces fuel usage significantly. Smooth and predictive driving is one of the simplest ways to save.

Maintain a steady speed

Constant speed changes use more fuel than maintaining a consistent pace. Where safe, try to anticipate traffic flow rather than repeatedly speeding up and slowing down.

Reduce drag

Roof racks, roof boxes and open windows at highway speed all increase drag, which increases fuel usage. Remove any outer storage components when they’re not in use and keep windows up on the highway.

Keep up with regular servicing

A poorly maintained engine, clogged air filter, or worn spark plugs can all increase fuel consumption. Regular servicing keeps your car running as efficiently as it’s designed to.

Plan routes to avoid traffic and excessive idling

Stop-start traffic and long idling periods waste fuel. Where possible, plan ahead to avoid peak traffic and congestion. Turning off your engine is a smart thing to do if you’re going to be stationary for an extended period of time.

Does air conditioning use more fuel?

Air conditioning does use some extra fuel, particularly at lower speeds, because it places additional load on the engine. That said, at highway speeds, running the air con is generally more fuel-efficient than driving with the windows down, since open windows increase drag. The impact of air conditioning on fuel usage is usually modest, so it’s more a matter of using it sensibly than avoiding it altogether.

Do small cars use less fuel?

Smaller cars tend to have smaller, less powerful engines and less weight to move, which typically means lower fuel consumption compared to larger vehicles. That’s part of why models like the Suzuki Swift are popular with drivers looking to reduce running costs. They’re built to be efficient without compromising on everyday practicality. If fuel economy is a priority, browsing Suzuki’s small car range is a good place to start.

How to track your fuel usage

Keeping an eye on your fuel usage helps you see whether the changes you’re making are actually working. A few simple ways to track it:

1. Use your trip computer — most modern cars display your average fuel consumption.
2. Try a fuel-tracking app — log fill-ups and distance travelled to monitor trends over time.
3. Calculate it manually — divide litres used by kilometres travelled, then multiply by 100 to get your L/100km figure.

Tracking regularly makes it easier to spot when something’s off, such as a sudden spike that might point to a maintenance issue.

Book a service to keep your car running efficiently

Good driving habits go a long way, but regular maintenance is just as important for keeping your fuel usage in check. If it’s been a while since your last check-up, it’s worth booking a service with Suzuki. Using Suzuki Genuine Parts for repairs and servicing also helps ensure your car keeps performing and operating as efficiently as possible.