How to Improve Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency: Tips Every Driver Should Know

Easy Habits That Help You Save Money and Drive Smarter

Let’s face it, fuel prices in Singapore aren’t going down anytime soon. Whether you’re clocking daily miles on the PIE or just zipping around the neighbourhood, fuel efficiency matters. Not just for your wallet, but also for the environment.

Good news? You don’t need to overhaul your whole car to make a difference. Just a few smart habits can go a long way.

Here are some easy ways to start.

1. Start with Your Tyres

It might not seem like much, but your tyres play a bigger role than you think.

When your tyres are under-inflated, your car has to work harder to move. That means higher fuel consumption—and faster tyre wear.

Quick Tip:

Check your tyre pressure every 2–3 weeks (especially before long drives).
Look for the recommended PSI label on your driver’s door or in the manual.
Free air pumps at petrol stations make it easy—just top up while refuelling.

Proper tyre pressure means a smoother ride, better fuel economy, and safer handling.

2. Go Easy on the Pedal

We get it—it’s tempting to zoom ahead when the light turns green. But rapid acceleration and sudden braking are major fuel guzzlers.

Instead, drive like there’s a cup of kopi on your dashboard.

Try this:

Maintain a steady speed.
Let your car coast whenever you can.
Use cruise control on long stretches like the KPE or AYE.

Fuel saved? Up to 30% on highways, and around 10% in city traffic.

3. Declutter Your Car

Yes, even your boot full of reusable bags, old gym shoes, or random delivery boxes can cost you extra fuel.

Every 50kg adds more strain to your engine.

Make it a habit:

Clear out what you don’t need each week.
Remove unused roof racks or bike mounts—they add wind resistance too.

A lighter car means less work for your engine and more savings at the pump.

4. Don’t Skip Servicing

You don’t need to be a car expert, but regular servicing is non-negotiable.

A dirty air filter, old engine oil, or misfiring spark plugs can mess with your fuel efficiency big time.

Checklist:

Stick to your servicing schedule (usually every 10,000km).
Use quality engine oil recommended by your car’s manufacturer.
Ask your workshop to check your air filter and spark plugs.

At CARSSIFY, we only work with trusted service centres—so your car stays in tip-top shape.

5. Be Smart with Air-Con

Living in sunny Singapore, we all rely on our air-con. But did you know it can increase fuel use by up to 20%?

Here’s how to stay cool and efficient:

Use the recirculate mode—it cools faster and uses less power.
Park in shaded spots or use a sunshade to reduce heat buildup.
Turn off the air-con while waiting or idling for long periods.

Small adjustments can add up to big savings.

6. Plan Your Routes

Multiple short trips are a fuel killer—especially when your engine’s still cold.

Smarter planning:

Combine errands into one outing.
Use Waze or Google Maps to avoid jams and ERP zones.
Travel during off-peak hours if you can.

Even a few minutes saved in traffic makes a difference over time.

7. Thinking of Upgrading? Choose Fuel-Efficient Cars

Some older cars just aren’t built with today’s efficiency standards. Upgrading to a newer, more fuel-friendly model could save you more in the long run—especially if your COE is up for renewal.

Need help deciding?

Look for fuel economy ratings (measured in L/100km or km/L).
Hybrid and mild-hybrid options are growing fast in Singapore.
Not ready to switch? Ask us about COE renewal or trade-in options.

In fact, electric or hybrid models made up 80% of all new car registrations in Singapore from January to August 2024. Among these, electric cars alone accounted for one-third. Clearly, Singapore drivers are making smarter, cleaner choices.

Some 2025 Fuel-Smart Standouts Worth Watching:

Kia EV5: Priced under S$200,000, offers over 500 km of electric range with an 88.1 kWh battery—designed for value and practicality.
GWM Ora 07: With an 83.5 kWh battery and a claimed range of 570 km, this electric sedan brings long-distance confidence under S$200,000.
Deepal S07: A Chinese EV featuring a 160 kW motor, 470 km range, and a tech-forward interior. Estimated at around S$190,000 with COE.
BYD Sealion 7: Launching at the Singapore Motorshow 2025, this mid-size electric SUV is priced just under S$194,000 and builds on BYD’s 2024 success.

Looking for luxury or performance?

Bentley Continental GT Mulliner: Plug-in hybrid with 782 hp, 80 km electric-only range, and 3.1s 0–100 km/h—if budget isn’t a concern.
Audi A6 Sportback e-tron: With 270 kW (367 hp) and class-leading aerodynamics, launching Q3 2025 in Singapore.

Whether you’re after practicality or prestige, there’s a growing list of options tailored to your fuel-saving goals.

Government Support for Cleaner Energy Vehicles

If you’re considering upgrading to an electric or hybrid car, here’s some good news:

The EV Early Adoption Incentive (EEAI) offers a 45% rebate on the Additional Registration Fee (ARF) for electric cars and taxis, capped at $15,000, until 31 December 2025.
The $0 ARF floor for electric cars and taxis has also been extended until 31 December 2025.
The Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES) provides a $25,000 rebate for the cleanest cars (Band A1) and $2,500 for hybrid cars (Band A2).

Together, these schemes can save buyers up to $40,000 off the ARF for electric cars.

Smart Driving = Smart Savings

Small changes make a big impact. Whether you’re trying to stretch your fuel budget or just drive smarter, it all starts with a few easy habits.

And if you’re ready to take the next step—like upgrading to a more efficient ride or renewing your COE—we’re here to help.

Book a test drive, chat with us about financing, or browse our latest fuel-efficient cars today.
Because at CARSSIFY, it’s always about making car ownership easy, smart, and stress-free—for you.

Let’s make your drive smoother, smarter, and more efficient.
Visit our showroom or message us on Instagram @carssify_singapore.