How Driving Habits Affect Your Fuel Consumption

If you feel like you’re filling up your tank more often than usual, your driving habits may be to blame. Many Kenyan drivers unknowingly waste fuel every day through simple behaviors like aggressive acceleration, idling, or poor gear use.

Let’s explore the most common habits that affect your fuel consumption—and what you can do to drive smarter and spend less.

1. Harsh Acceleration and Braking

The Problem:

Rapid acceleration burns more fuel than gradual acceleration. Likewise, sudden braking wastes the energy your car just used to get moving.

The Fix:

✔ Accelerate smoothly and anticipate traffic to avoid harsh stops.
✔ Drive at a steady pace whenever possible.

Pro Tip: On highways like Thika Road or the Southern Bypass, use cruise control (if available) to maintain a consistent speed and save fuel.

2. Excessive Idling

The Problem:

Leaving your engine running while waiting wastes fuel. Just 10 minutes of idling can burn as much fuel as driving several kilometers.

The Fix:

✔ Turn off your engine if you’re waiting for more than 60 seconds.
✔ Modern engines don’t need to be “warmed up” for long—learn more here.

3. Driving at High Speeds

The Problem:

Fuel efficiency decreases rapidly above 80–90 km/h. At high speeds, wind resistance increases, forcing your engine to work harder.

The Fix:

✔ Stick to moderate speeds, especially on highways.
✔ Avoid unnecessary lane changes or overtaking, which demand bursts of speed.

Did you know? Driving at 120 km/h consumes up to 20% more fuel than driving at 90 km/h.

4. Improper Use of Gears (Manual Cars)

The Problem:

Driving in the wrong gear—especially staying too long in lower gears—can increase fuel usage.

The Fix:

✔ Shift up early when it’s safe and avoid engine over-revving.
✔ Don’t “ride the clutch” in traffic; it causes fuel wastage and premature wear.

5. Carrying Excess Weight

The Problem:

The heavier your car, the harder the engine has to work—meaning more fuel consumption.

The Fix:

✔ Remove unnecessary items from your boot.
✔ Avoid carrying roof racks or boxes when not in use—they create drag.

6. Underinflated Tires

The Problem:

Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, forcing the engine to use more fuel.

The Fix:

✔ Check your tire pressure every two weeks and inflate to the recommended PSI.
✔ Learn more from our tire maintenance guide.

7. Poor Vehicle Maintenance

The Problem:

A poorly serviced engine, dirty air filters, or old spark plugs all reduce your fuel efficiency.

The Fix:

✔ Stick to your car’s regular service schedule.
✔ Book a full service to check fuel filters, plugs, and oil condition.

Explore our car maintenance checklist to stay on top of things.

8. Using Air Conditioning All the Time

The Problem:

While A/C is essential in Kenya’s hot weather, it puts an extra load on your engine—especially at low speeds.

The Fix:

✔ Use A/C wisely—roll down windows when driving slowly.
✔ At highway speeds, use A/C instead of open windows to reduce drag.

9. Ignoring Traffic Patterns

The Problem:

Driving during peak traffic hours means more idling, stop-start movement, and clutch riding—all fuel-wasting behaviors.

The Fix:

✔ Use navigation apps to plan routes with less traffic.
✔ Leave early or late to avoid peak congestion.

10. Short Trips for Every Errand

The Problem:

Engines consume more fuel when cold. Several short trips use more fuel than combining them into one.

The Fix:

✔ Combine errands to reduce the number of trips.
✔ Plan routes ahead to minimize back-and-forth driving.

Bonus Tip: Use Fuel Additives Wisely

If your car is older or showing signs of inefficient combustion, quality fuel additives can help clean the system. Learn more in our post on whether fuel additives are worth it.

Conclusion

Your driving style has a big impact on fuel consumption. By adjusting small habits—like smoother acceleration, reducing idling, and maintaining your car—you can save money at the pump and reduce wear on your engine.

For expert servicing and fuel system diagnostics, visit Automotive Doctor Motor Garage.

Want to improve your car’s fuel economy today?
Book a fuel check or service now