What Actually Affects Your Vehicle’s Fuel Consumption
Last reviewed: 2026 · Driviology Road Safety Education Team
Quick Answer
Fuel consumption is driven mainly by driving style, vehicle maintenance, extra weight, and trip type, with driving style being the single factor you have the most direct control over.
Fuel consumption varies more than most drivers expect, and much of that variation comes down to a handful of controllable factors.
Driving Style
Rapid acceleration, hard braking, and speeding all increase fuel consumption noticeably. See our guide to better fuel efficiency habits for the specific techniques that reduce it.
Vehicle Condition and Load
Under-inflated tires, overdue maintenance, and unnecessary cargo weight all force the engine to work harder, increasing consumption even when your driving style has not changed.
Trip Type
Short, stop-and-start city trips generally consume more fuel per kilometre than steady highway driving, since the engine rarely reaches its most efficient operating range.