Simple, practical driving habits can improve petrol efficiency and lower running costs. These tips are useful for everyday drivers and renters in Singapore, including P plate and PHV drivers.

Introduction

Petrol is one of the biggest running costs for any driver in Singapore, and small habits add up. Whether you have rented a car for a short trip, are a P-Plate driver getting used to a new vehicle, or drive PHV and cover many kilometres a day, a few changes to how you drive and care for the car can noticeably cut fuel use.

Core driving techniques

Smooth acceleration and gentle braking

Build speed steadily rather than flooring it
Coast to decelerate where it is safe, anticipating lights and congestion
Use higher gears as soon as the engine allows — lower revs generally use less fuel

Rapid throttle changes waste fuel. Smooth driving keeps the engine in its efficient zone.

Maintain a steady speed

Use cruise control on expressways when it is safe
On short city trips, keep momentum rather than constantly stopping and starting

Constant speeds avoid the fuel-sapping accelerate–decelerate cycle.

Plan routes and avoid peak-hour congestion

Combine errands into one trip instead of several short ones
Use real-time traffic apps to dodge jams
For JB trips, plan around toll and customs queues to minimise idling

Fewer stops and less idling mean less petrol burned.

Vehicle care that improves economy

Check tyre pressure regularly

Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance and fuel use. Check pressure to the manufacturer's recommendation and watch for uneven wear.

Keep the vehicle well maintained

Regular servicing, clean air filters and healthy spark plugs keep the engine efficient. If you have rented a car and notice a maintenance issue, report it to the rental company promptly — a well-serviced fleet is one reason AKA keeps its cars in good condition between customers.

Lighten the load and reduce drag

Remove unnecessary items from the boot — extra weight burns more petrol
Take off roof boxes and racks when not in use; they increase drag

In-cabin habits

Use air-conditioning wisely

A/C adds load. At low speeds, a window briefly is fine; at higher speeds, A/C is usually more efficient than the drag from open windows. Set a comfortable but not icy temperature.

Avoid prolonged idling

Turn the engine off if you will be stationary for more than a minute or two. Modern engines use less fuel restarting than idling for long stretches.

Advice for renters and professional drivers

P-Plate drivers: Spend a few minutes getting used to the clutch, gears and brakes of a rented car before setting off — familiarity makes for smoother, more economical driving. See our P-Plate car rental options.
PHV drivers: High mileage means small per-trip savings compound fast. Consistent habits and regular checks keep operating costs down. Our PHV rental fleet is built for this kind of daily use.
Monthly renters: If you rent often, picking a fuel-efficient or hybrid model pays off over a month.

Quick checklist before you drive

Tyre pressure OK?
No heavy items in the boot?
Engine warm and servicing up to date?
Route planned to avoid jams?

Frequently asked questions

Does air-conditioning use a lot of petrol? A/C does add load, but at expressway speeds it is usually more efficient than driving with the windows down, which creates drag. Use it sensibly rather than freezing the cabin.

Do hybrid cars save fuel in Singapore city driving? Yes — hybrids recover energy when braking and use the electric motor at low speeds, which suits stop-start Singapore traffic well. See our hybrid car rental options.

Is it true that restarting the engine wastes more fuel than idling? Not for modern engines. If you will be stationary for more than about a minute, switching off saves fuel.

How much can driving style change fuel economy? A lot. Smooth acceleration, anticipating traffic and steady speeds can improve economy noticeably compared with aggressive driving.