Save Up to 50% on Fuel with These Top Tips from Spain's DGT

Fuel Prices Are Rising Again

With Brent crude oil approaching $96 a barrel amid ongoing instability in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, fuel prices in Spain are heading in the wrong direction again. In response, the DGT (Directorate General of Traffic) has been reminding drivers that the way they use the accelerator is the single most important factor in getting the most out of a tank.

According to the DGT, adopting efficient driving habits can cut fuel consumption by anywhere between 30% and 50% — and as a bonus, it's also kinder to your engine, reducing wear on fluids and components over time.

The Optimal Speed — and the Cost of Going Faster

On conventional roads, the sweet spot is 90 km/h. At this speed, a standard vehicle's engine operates at its most efficient. Push that up to the 120 km/h motorway limit and fuel consumption can jump by as much as 30%, because above 100 km/h aerodynamic resistance increases sharply and the engine burns considerably more fuel just to overcome the air pushing back against the car.

Tip 1 — Plan Your Journey and Maintain a Steady Pace

Keeping a steady pace is key. The DGT recommends planning your journey to avoid unnecessary acceleration and sharp braking, letting the car coast when approaching a stop, and changing down through the gears gradually rather than braking hard.

Tip 2 — Shift Up Gears Early

Gear choice matters more than many drivers realise. Shifting up into fourth or fifth gear before you reach 50 km/h is advisable, keeping the engine in its optimal rev range of 1,500 to 3,000 rpm. Staying in a low gear at higher speeds pushes consumption back up significantly.

Tip 3 — Cut Air Conditioning, Weight and Poor Aerodynamics

Heavy use of air conditioning, carrying unnecessary weight in the boot, and roof boxes or open windows at speed all chip away at your efficiency without you noticing. On longer journeys especially, these factors add up.

Tip 4 — Check Your Tyre Pressure

Tyre pressure is easy to overlook but makes a measurable difference. Running tyres just 0.5 bar below the recommended pressure increases fuel consumption by 2% in town and up to 4% on longer journeys. Properly inflated tyres also help the car roll more freely and maintain better road contact.

Tip 5 — Consider Low Rolling Resistance Tyres

For anyone serious about fuel efficiency, switching to low rolling resistance tyres can cut consumption by a further 3% — a worthwhile saving over time, particularly for higher-mileage drivers.

Small Changes, Big Difference

None of these changes will transform your fuel bill overnight on their own — but taken together they represent a significant saving. With pump prices looking uncertain for the foreseeable future, building a few of these habits into your everyday driving is well worth the effort.

This article is based on reporting from Spanish News Today, published May 5, 2026.