Motorists can make major petrol and diesel fuel savings with a simple tip this Autumn.

15:21, Sun, Nov 3, 2024 | UPDATED: 15:23, Sun, Nov 3, 2024

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petrol station

Drivers can save fuel with a simple tip (Image: Getty)

Petrol and diesel owners could cut their fuel consumption by “25 percent” by using a tool found in every car on the road. 

Experts at Elite Garages have warned motorists can "significantly effect” their fuel use by making adjustments to how they use their gear stick. 

Driving in one gear over another may appear harmless but reducing the amount of acceleration is likely to pay off. 

This means cash-strapped road users don’t even have to slow down, and they can still keep valuable petrol and diesel in their tanks.

Higher gears are important because they reduce the engine's revolutions per minute (RPM) ratio. 

fuel pump

Using higher gears can help boost fuel efficiency (Image: Getty)

This is likely to result in less friction between the engine components meaning road users burn less fuel.

Elite Garages explained: “How you use your gears can have a significant effect on your car’s fuel efficiency. In general, the higher the gear, the lower the engine speed, which can lead to fuel savings. 

“For instance, driving at 60mph in third gear will use up to 25 percent more fuel than in fifth gear. So, it’s better to move up to a higher gear as soon as it’s safe and practical.”

Fuel prices have declined in recent weeks with petrol now at its lowest rate for three years.

According to RAC Fuel Watch, one of the leading fuel comparison sites, petrol costs now stand at 134.92p per litre with rates last recorded at this level back in July 2021.

Diesel prices now sit at 139.86p, down from over 150p per litre earlier this summer.

Combustion owners received a major win this week with Chancellor Rachel Reeves opting to freeze fuel duty rates for the 14th consecutive year after speculation fees would rise.

Experts at MotorMatch have also previously admitted the importance of gear changes to keep fuel consumption rates down. 

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They said: “Gear shifts are also something else you should keep an eye on as they can drastically impact your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. 

“Make sure that you’re driving in the right gear for the right speed, shifting up and down at the right time can help to improve fuel economy. 

“For example, driving at 60mph in third gear will use more fuel than driving in fifth gear.”