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The Hidden Reasons Your Car Might Be Using More Fuel

Date Posted: 06 June 2026

With fuel prices still a concern for many UK drivers, it is no surprise that more people are paying attention to how far their car goes on a tank. But if your car seems to be using more fuel than usual, it may not just be the price at the pump causing the problem.

Tyre pressure, servicing, brakes, air conditioning, driving habits and even the weight you carry can all affect fuel economy. At Startin Group, our service teams can help identify issues that may be making your car work harder than it needs to.

Low tyre pressure

Underinflated tyres create more resistance on the road, which means your engine has to work harder. This can increase fuel use, reduce tyre life and affect how your car handles.

Before a long journey, or if you have noticed your fuel economy dropping, check your tyre pressures against the manufacturer’s recommended settings.

Overdue servicing

A car that is overdue a service may not run as efficiently as it should. Old oil, dirty filters, worn spark plugs and missed maintenance can all affect performance and fuel economy.

Regular servicing helps keep your car running properly and can also highlight small problems before they become more expensive.

Dragging brakes

If your brakes are sticking or not fully releasing, your car may use more fuel because it is working against extra resistance.

Warning signs can include a burning smell, reduced acceleration, vibration, one wheel feeling hotter than the others or a noticeable drop in fuel economy. If something feels different, it is worth booking a brake check.

Air conditioning use

Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption, especially on shorter journeys or in stop-start traffic. That does not mean you should avoid using it, but if your system is struggling, not blowing cold or making the engine work harder, it may need attention.

An air conditioning check can help make sure the system is working efficiently.

Short journeys and driving style

Short journeys often use more fuel because the engine does not always have time to warm up properly. Harsh acceleration, heavy braking and excessive speed can also increase fuel consumption.

Driving more smoothly, looking ahead and keeping a steady speed can help improve efficiency.

Extra weight and roof boxes

Carrying unnecessary weight in the boot, leaving roof bars fitted or driving with a roof box can all make your car use more fuel. The heavier and less aerodynamic the car is, the harder the engine has to work.

Removing items you do not need can help improve efficiency, especially on longer trips.

When should you get your car checked?

If your car is using more fuel than usual and you cannot explain why, it is worth getting it checked. Warning lights, rough running, poor acceleration, brake noises or a sudden drop in miles per gallon can all point to an issue.

At Startin Group, our technicians can check your tyres, brakes, filters, fluids and key components to help keep your car running efficiently.

Keep your car running efficiently with Startin Group

A small issue could be costing you more every time you drive. If your car is using more fuel than usual, book a service or vehicle health check with Startin Group and let our team help you get to the bottom of it.

Is your car using more fuel than usual?

Our technicians can check tyres, brakes, filters, fluids and key components that may affect fuel economy.

Book a vehicle health check

Your car may be using more fuel because of low tyre pressure, overdue servicing, dirty filters, dragging brakes, air conditioning use, short journeys, extra weight or driving style.

Yes. Low tyre pressure increases rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and can reduce fuel economy.

Yes, especially if dirty filters, old oil or worn components are affecting how efficiently the engine runs.

Yes. If brakes are sticking or dragging, your car has to work harder to move, which can increase fuel use.

Keep tyres correctly inflated, service your car regularly, remove unnecessary weight, drive smoothly and get warning lights or unusual symptoms checked promptly.

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Finance Disclosure

Startin Group Ltd and Thomas Startin Junr Ltd are Appointed Representatives of Automotive Compliance Ltd, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No 497010). Automotive Compliance Ltd's permissions as a Principal Firm allows Startin Group Ltd, Thomas Startin Junr Ltd to act as a credit broker, not as a lender, for the introduction to a limited number of lenders and to act as an agent on behalf of the insurer for insurance distribution activities only.

We can introduce you to a selected panel of lenders, which includes manufacturer lenders linked directly to the franchises that we represent. An introduction to a lender does not amount to independent financial advice and we act as their agent for this introduction. Our approach is to introduce you first to the manufacturer lender linked directly to the particular franchise you are purchasing your vehicle from, who are usually able to offer the best available package for you, taking into account both interest rates and other contributions. If they are unable to make you an offer of finance, we then seek to introduce you to whichever of the other lenders on our panel is able to make the next best offer of finance for you. Our aim is to secure the best deal you are eligible for from our panel of lenders. Lenders may pay a fixed commission to us for introducing you to them, calculated by reference to the vehicle model or amount you borrow. Different lenders may pay different commissions for such introductions, and manufacturer lenders linked directly to the franchises that we represent may also provide preferential rates to us for the funding of our vehicle stock and also provide financial support for our training and marketing. But any such amounts they and other lenders pay us will not affect the amounts you pay under your finance agreement, all of which are set by the lender concerned. If you ask us what the amount of commission is, we will tell you in good time before the Finance agreement is executed. All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18’s or over. Guarantees may be required

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Thomas Startin Junr Ltd- Company Number 00300464. Startin Group Ltd- Company Number 00543964. FCA No. 521602. Registered in England & Wales. Registered Office: Address: Far Moor Lane Coventry Highway, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 0SD.   Data Protection No: Z4981084, ZA013456