Smart driving: simple ways to save fuel
Driving fuel saving tips: An article by Steve Buckley, Sales Manager, Fleetmaxx Solutions Burnley
Want to make every drop go further? With fuel prices remaining volatile due to the ongoing Iran conflict and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, keeping control of fuel costs is becoming even more important for drivers and businesses alike. While cutting out journeys is not always possible, there are plenty of smart driving habits and small changes that can help reduce fuel consumption and lower your running costs.
Along with our friends at Esso, we have gathered some practical, real-world tips to help you drive more efficiently, use less fuel and get the most out of every tank.
Driving fuel saving tips
Changing gears

Remember, gears are there to keep the vehicle moving smoothly, while brakes are there to slow it down. Using the correct gear at the right time helps drivers avoid excessive revving and unnecessary gear changes. Not only can this improve fuel efficiency, but it can also help reduce wear and tear on the vehicle over time.
Engine oil

Keeping your vehicle topped up with the correct engine oil does more than just help protect the engine from unnecessary wear and damage. It can also improve fuel efficiency and help lower running costs. In fact, Mobil 1 ESP X2 0W-20 is designed to deliver up to a 4% improvement in fuel economy¹, helping to reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to charging more than 23,000 smartphones².
Drop your speed

Reducing your speed from 70mph to 60mph, when you’re driving on the motorway, can save you up to 10% in fuel3 – getting you to the same destination for less!
Combine journeys

If you need to make several short journeys, planning your route in advance can help you complete them more efficiently in a single trip, saving both time and fuel.
Accelerate gently

The harder an engine has to work, the more fuel it will use. Smooth, gradual acceleration helps reduce engine strain and improve fuel efficiency. Maintaining a steady speed and avoiding heavy traffic where possible can also help cut fuel consumption, making journeys smoother and far less frustrating than constant stop-start driving.
Substitute a journey

Could some journeys be made without using the car? Choosing public transport or an e-bike for shorter trips could help you avoid rush-hour traffic, reduce fuel costs and even get you to your destination faster.
The Boot

Unused roof bars, bike racks and unnecessary items in the boot can all add extra weight and drag to your vehicle. Carrying just 50kg of excess weight can increase fuel consumption by up to 2%⁴. Clearing out anything you do not need could help improve fuel efficiency and reduce running costs.
Refuelling
Route planner
Tyre Pressure
Air Conditioning
Improve aerodynamics
Shorter journeys
Lower emission fuel
Shopping locally
Sharing journeys
Cleaning your engine
Reverse parking
Additional driving fuel saving tips – use a fuel card
One of the standout benefits of our Esso fuel cards is that drivers can collect Esso Nectar points every time they refuel. These points can then be redeemed with a wide range of popular retailers, including Argos, eBay, Caffè Nero and many more. It is a simple way to make everyday business fuel spending even more rewarding for both companies and drivers.
We have highlighted the key features and benefits of our range of Esso fuel cards to help you compare the options available. If you would like friendly advice or help choosing the right card for your business, the team at Fleetmaxx Solutions is always happy to help. Call us today on 01367 704 910.
Esso Maxx
Guaranteed 1p savings on petrol at all Esso pumps, along with savings of up to 10p per litre on Esso diesel. The ideal fuel card for businesses of all sizes that have mixed fleets consisting of of HGVs, LGVs, LCVS, Vans & Cars.
Esso Fleet
Competitive pump prices for diesel and petrol at all Esso forecourts. Esso Fleet Card is also accepted at BP and Shell pumps. This fuel card is the perfect choice for a sole trader or a larger fleet with LGV, LCV, Vans and cars.
Let Fleetmaxx keep your fuel costs under control
With fuel prices continuing to fluctuate, having the right fuel card partner has never been more important. At Fleetmaxx Solutions, we are here to help businesses of all sizes take greater control of their fuel spending with our range of Esso fuel cards.
Whether you run a single van, a company car fleet or a nationwide transport operation, our Esso fuel card options provide access to quality fuel, competitive pricing and one of the largest filling station networks in the UK. From fixed weekly pricing and pump discounts to easy HMRC-compliant invoicing and online account management, we make managing fuel costs simpler and more transparent.
Unlike some providers, we believe in building long-term relationships with our customers through honest pricing, friendly support and no hidden surprises. Our experienced team is always on hand to help you find the right fuel card solution for your business, helping to keep your vehicles on the road for less.
Fleetmaxx Solutions – Driving fuel saving tips, your trusted partner
Additional facts from our friends at Esso
Fuel efficient driving
For many motorists and businesses, reducing car usage is simply not realistic. From daily commutes and customer visits to deliveries and family responsibilities, vehicles remain an essential part of everyday life. The good news is that there are still plenty of ways to improve fuel efficiency, helping you cut running costs while also lowering emissions.
Fuel economy is affected by far more than just fuel prices. Vehicle maintenance, journey planning, traffic conditions and driving habits can all have a significant impact on how much fuel your vehicle consumes.
Often, it is the smaller changes that make the biggest difference over time. Smoother driving, properly inflated tyres and avoiding unnecessary mileage can all help your fuel go further.
To help you improve your fuel efficiency and support greener driving, we have teamed up with our friends at Esso to share some practical fuel-saving tips and advice.
Helping fleets fill up with less impact
With fuel costs continuing to challenge businesses across the UK, and increasing pressure to reduce emissions, greener driving is becoming a growing priority for fleet operators of every size. At Fleetmaxx Solutions, we are proud to work in partnership with Esso to help businesses discover practical ways to improve fuel efficiency, lower emissions and reduce overall fleet running costs.
For many operators, making the move towards greener driving is not something that can happen overnight. Fleets need realistic and cost-effective solutions that fit around day-to-day operations without affecting reliability or productivity. That is why advances in fuel technology, lower-emission fuels and smarter fleet management tools are becoming increasingly valuable for modern businesses looking to drive more efficiently and sustainably. Read our greener driving tips here.
What are Esso Synergy fuels?
Not all fuels are the same. Esso has developed its Synergy fuel range using innovative additive technology designed to help engines perform at their best while supporting improved fuel efficiency.
Every litre of Synergy petrol and diesel is formulated to help clean and protect vital engine components, helping vehicles run more smoothly and efficiently over time.
In testing carried out on everyday vehicles, Esso Synergy diesel and petrol improved fuel economy by an average of 1.8%.* While that may sound small, across a busy fleet or high annual mileage, those savings can quickly add up, helping businesses reduce fuel costs and cut unnecessary trips to the pump.
For fleet operators, transport managers and everyday motorists alike, improved fuel efficiency means better value from every tank and lower overall running costs
A guide to Esso Supreme Fuels
Selecting the right fuel is about far more than simply filling up. For businesses operating commercial vehicles, company cars or specialist engines, fuel quality can play an important role in vehicle performance, fuel efficiency and ongoing maintenance costs.
The Esso Synergy Supreme+ fuel range is engineered to deliver more than standard forecourt fuels, helping to clean and protect critical engine components while supporting smoother and more efficient vehicle operation.
For customers using the Esso Card™ through Fleetmaxx Solutions, Esso Synergy Supreme+ fuels are widely available across the UK, giving drivers convenient access to premium fuel technology designed to help vehicles perform at their best.
Esso Ethos+™ 25% renewable diesel
What was once used to cook your fish and chips could now help keep your vehicles moving. Esso Ethos+™ 25% Renewable Diesel contains premium hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), produced using independently verified used cooking oil that complies with Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation standards.
By blending 25% renewable content with Esso’s advanced Synergy additive technology, Esso has created a high-quality diesel fuel designed to deliver the performance drivers expect, while also helping to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional diesel.
For businesses looking to take practical steps towards greener driving and lower emissions, it offers a simple way to begin making a difference using existing diesel vehicles and infrastructure.
Driving fuel saving tips, additional information
1 Compared with Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30; Actual savings are dependent upon vehicle and engine type, outside temperature and barometric pressure, driving conditions and your current engine oil viscosity.
2 Assumes 11,507 miles/yr, 21.7 mpg fuel average, and 4% fuel economy improvement; using US EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator: https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator
3 Source The AA
4 Source KwikFit
5 Source Consumer Reports, 2020
6 Esso Supreme 25% Renewable Diesel has 15% lower life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than our regular diesel (1). Calculations indicate that every 50 litres of Esso Supreme 25% Renewable Diesel used would, on average emit 133.7 kg of GHG emissions (expressed in CO2 equivalents, or CO2e) over the total lifecycle of that product. This compares with 50 litres of Esso Synergy regular diesel (B7), which would emit 159.1kg CO2e over its total lifecycle.
7 Source Liftshare

















