10 smart driving tips to manage fuel use for busy bank holiday weekends

Bank holiday weekends and half‑term breaks are some of the busiest times on the UK’s roads, with many drivers taking longer journeys than usual to enjoy a well‑earned break or spend time with family and friends.

However, heavier traffic, fully loaded cars and stop‑start conditions can put extra strain on vehicles, increasing fuel use and raising the risk of avoidable breakdowns.

Below, Damon Jowett, Director of Customer, Roadside & Network Services, at Green Flag, shares how smarter driving, simple vehicle checks and good preparation can help drivers use less fuel, keep journeys running smoothly and reduce the likelihood of problems or breakdowns on longer trips during busy holiday periods.

1. Make sure your car is journey‑ready

Good preparation plays an important role in smart, efficient driving. Before setting off on a longer trip, it’s worth carrying out simple checks on your vehicle, including oil and coolant levels, tyre condition and battery health and charge if driving an electric vehicle. This will help spot preventable issues that can lead to breakdowns.

2. Check your tyre pressures

Incorrect tyre pressures force the engine to work harder and can affect how your vehicle drives. Checking tyres before a long journey is a quick task that can improve efficiency, comfort and safety – particularly when the car is carrying extra passengers or luggage.

Recommended pressures can usually be found in the vehicle handbook, on the sticker inside the door frame, or behind the fuel filler flap.

3. Remove unnecessary weight and drag

Clearing out clutter from the boot and footwells can help reduce the weight the car is carrying and support more efficient driving. Roof boxes, bike racks and carriers should also be removed when not in use, as they increase drag and fuel use at higher speeds.

4. Accelerate gently, especially when fully loaded

Cars carrying passengers and holiday luggage need more energy to move. Pulling away smoothly and building speed gradually helps the engine work more efficiently and reduces unnecessary strain, particularly on longer trips.

5. Use the right gear

Changing gear at the right time can make a real difference to vehicle efficiency. As a general guide, drivers should go up a gear when the engine reaches around 2,000 revs, avoiding high revs where possible.

6. Maintain a steady speed

Keeping a consistent speed is more efficient than frequently speeding up and slowing down. On motorways and open roads, driving steadily and being aware of road and weather conditions can help reduce fuel use and ease the load on the engine.

Cruise control can help on clear stretches, but in heavier traffic or on hills, manual control may allow for smoother, more responsive driving.

7. Drive smoothly and anticipate traffic

Smart driving is about looking ahead and anticipating what is coming next. By responding early to changes in traffic, drivers can avoid harsh braking and sudden acceleration, which may increase fuel use and put extra strain on the car.

Driving smoothly also helps reduce excessive stop‑start conditions, which can place additional pressure on components such as batteries, starters and brakes. Where possible, planning journeys to avoid the busiest periods, or leaving slightly earlier or later, can result in smoother, less demanding drives.

8. Keep windows closed at higher speeds

While open windows can feel refreshing, they increase aerodynamic drag at motorway speeds. Keeping windows closed and air conditioning on helps the car move more efficiently through the air on longer journeys.

9. Take regular breaks to stay alert

Driver fatigue doesn’t just affect the safety of you and your passengers – it can also lead to harsher driving, such as late braking and sharp acceleration. Taking regular breaks helps drivers stay alert and supports smoother, more controlled driving on longer trips.

10. Have breakdown cover in place if things go wrong

Sometimes the unexpected happens, but knowing help is available if you do breakdown can provide extra reassurance during busy travel periods.

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About Green Flag:

With over 50 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required). Green Flag is part of the Aviva Group.

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com