How to save money on petrol and diesel

If you’re driving a car on a regular basis, unless you have an EV, the rising cost of fuel has surely been something you’ve been watching recently.

While you can’t control fluctuating fuel prices, you can control how much you could get back from the money you are already spending. Making small changes to how you pay for everyday costs can help ease the overall impact over time. Here are our top tips on how to save money on petrol and diesel.

10 practical ways to reduce fuel costs

1. Compare local petrol and diesel prices

   Fuel prices can vary between stations, so compare prices along routes you already use before deciding where to fill up. Keep the full journey in mind, as travelling a significant distance solely for a slightly cheaper price could use some of the fuel you hoped to save. Comparing the price per litre makes it easier to judge whether a different station offers worthwhile value.

2. Plan journeys before you set off

   A little planning can help you avoid wrong turns, repeated short trips and time spent driving around looking for parking. Check your route before leaving and group nearby stops together. If you regularly make the same journey, consider whether a quieter route or time of day could reduce stop-start traffic without adding a large detour.

3. Combine trips and share journeys where practical

   Instead of making several separate journeys, combine errands into one planned trip where possible. Car sharing can also help split the cost of regular travel, such as commuting or trips to an event. Agree in advance how costs will be shared so the arrangement stays simple and fair.

4. Use loyalty schemes and fuel offers carefully

   Some petrol stations, supermarkets and payment providers offer points, discounts or cashback on fuel.* Compare the real value of the reward with the price you would otherwise pay and avoid spending more simply to qualify. A reward is most useful when it applies to fuel you already planned to buy.

5. Travel off-peak where it suits your schedule

   Heavy traffic can mean more stopping, starting and idling. Where your schedule allows, travelling outside the busiest periods may make a journey smoother and more predictable. Always choose a time and route that are safe and practical rather than focusing on fuel saving alone.

6. Reduce unnecessary journeys

   For very short trips, consider whether walking, cycling or combining the task with another journey is realistic. Working from home, using local services or arranging several appointments on the same day may also reduce mileage, depending on your circumstances. Even one fewer car journey from time to time can reduce fuel use.

7. Consider public transport for suitable trips

   For some commutes or city-centre journeys, public transport may cost less than fuel, parking and tolls combined. Compare the full cost, travel time and convenience of each option. A mixed approach can work too, such as driving to a transport hub and completing the rest of the journey by bus, train or tram.

8. Drive smoothly and avoid unnecessary idling

   Smooth acceleration, timely gear changes and looking ahead so you can slow gradually can help reduce unnecessary fuel use. Avoid revving the engine or accelerating hard when it is not needed. When the car is safely parked, do not leave the engine running unnecessarily. If your vehicle has a stop-start system, follow the manufacturer’s guidance on using it.

   SIMI’s guidance on greener driving also recommends checking tyre pressure, changing gear earlier, avoiding harsh braking, reducing idle time and removing unused external accessories that create drag.

9. Keep your car maintained and tyres correctly inflated

   Follow the service schedule and maintenance guidance in your car’s handbook. Check tyre pressure when the tyres are cool and use the pressure recommended for your vehicle. Incorrect tyre pressure can affect fuel consumption as well as tyre life, while warning lights or mechanical issues can also affect how efficiently a car runs.

   The Road Safety Authority’s tyre guidance explains why choosing suitable tyres and keeping them correctly maintained matters. SIMI also notes that regular servicing and manufacturer-recommended engine maintenance can support fuel economy.

10. Consider whether a more fuel-efficient car suits your needs

    If your current car uses more fuel than you need, a newer, smaller or more efficient model may reduce running costs. However, changing a car is a significant expense, so compare the purchase price, likely fuel or charging costs, motor tax, insurance, maintenance and how long you expect to keep it. Your annual mileage and the type of journeys you make can help you weigh up an electric, hybrid, petrol or diesel car.

    For a broader comparison, read our guide to electric, petrol and diesel cars in Ireland. If you decide that changing your car is right for you, our new car buying guide or tips for buying a used car covers other practical points to consider before buying.

Earn cashback on eligible fuel spending

There are lots of ways to get a little extra value back from your regular spending, including finding ways to save money on fuel.

For example, the Everyday+ Credit Card offers cashback on everyday spending such as at petrol stations and for grocery shopping*. For customers who use their card regularly for these kind of purchases, this can add up over time.

How Everyday+ cashback could reduce your net fuel cost*

Simple, rewards, straight into your account:

• 5% cashback at petrol stations*
• 5% cashback at grocery retailers*

Whether you’re doing your weekly shop or filling up on fuel, you can start getting more value from the money you are already spending. Over time, those smaller amounts can build into big savings, particularly for those with more than one car or longer daily commutes.

To get the most value from cashback, it’s important to manage your credit card in line with your budget and repay your balance in full each month.

How much money could you save on fuel?

If a household was to use around 225 litres of fuel per month across two cars. At today’s costs (Source: The AA), that’s approximately €427.50 per month on fuel.

With 5% cashback*, that could mean:

• €21.37 back each month
• €256.50 per year

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to save money on fuel?

Start with the changes that match your normal routine: compare local prices, combine journeys, drive smoothly, check tyre pressure and keep the vehicle serviced. No single tip will suit every driver, but using several consistently can help reduce overall fuel use and cost.

Does driving more slowly save fuel?

Fuel use is affected by speed, acceleration, road conditions, traffic and the vehicle itself. Staying within the speed limit, maintaining a smooth and appropriate speed, and avoiding harsh acceleration or braking can support more efficient driving. Safety and road conditions should always come first.

Does correct tyre pressure help save fuel?

Yes. Using the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer can support fuel efficiency. Check the pressure when the tyres are cool and refer to the handbook, fuel flap or door-area label for the correct figures.

Is petrol or diesel cheaper to run?

It depends on the vehicle, current fuel prices, annual mileage, journey type, tax, insurance and maintenance. Compare the total cost for your own driving pattern rather than choosing on pump price alone.

Can cashback help me save money on petrol or diesel?

Cashback can return part of eligible fuel spending, subject to the card’s terms. Compare the benefit with any fees or interest and only use credit in a way that fits your budget. Repaying the balance in full each month can help avoid interest on purchases.

Should I travel farther to find cheaper fuel?

Not necessarily. Work out whether the saving per litre is likely to outweigh the fuel and time used on the extra journey. A lower-priced station on a route you already take may offer better practical value.

How can I reduce fuel costs without changing my car?

Plan and combine trips, compare prices, remove unused weight or roof accessories, drive smoothly, avoid unnecessary idling, check tyre pressure and keep up with maintenance. These steps do not require buying another vehicle.

Small changes can add up

There is no single way to reduce fuel costs. The strongest approach is usually a combination of fewer or better-planned journeys, smoother driving, regular car care, price comparison and making sensible use of rewards available on spending you already planned.

For more information on every way the Everyday+ Credit Card can help you save on your everyday costs, check out how to shop smarter with the Everyday+ Credit Card. If you’re looking for more ways to free up some extra room in your budget, we have put together an article on smart savings tips to boost your budget.

Variable interest rate 20.8%. Typical APR 22.9% (Annual Percentage Rate).

Representative example: Assuming a credit limit of €1,500 drawn down in one transaction and repaid over 12 months in equal monthly instalments, total amount payable is €1669.00. The cost of credit is €169.00.

*Max. cashback €25 per month. 5% cashback valid for first 12 months; 1% thereafter. Cashback applied at selected retailers. For fuel, pay-at-the-pump and home heating oil excluded. Other exclusions apply, see Everyday+ FAQs. Source of average household car fuel usage donedeal.ie. Average fuel cost based on €1.90 per litre.

Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. Avant Money Credit Cards are only available to customers over the age of 18 and resident of the Republic of Ireland. Rates correct as of 8th October 2026 and are subject to change.

Bankinter S.A., trading as Avant Money, is authorised by the Banco de España in Spain and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for consumer protection rules.