Drivers can make their car use 'zero fuel' - without switching to an EV
Drivers are being tipped off about a savvy driving technique that could see them save on fuel without having to ditch their petrol or diesel vehicles for an electric alternative. The trick lies in a feature already installed in the majority of contemporary cars, which could lead to substantial savings at the filling station.
Fuel expert Gordon Wallis from Your NRG has shed light on the benefits of coasting in gear, which triggers the Deceleration Fuel Cut-Off (DFCO) system, effectively stopping fuel from being injected when decelerating under certain conditions.
Mr Wallis said: "When you lift your foot off the accelerator but keep the car in gear, the engine is driven by the wheels, not fuel. That means your car can effectively use zero fuel while slowing down.
"It's a clever bit of engineering that most drivers are benefiting from without even realising it."
Despite being a standard feature in cars since the 1990s, DFCO remains one of the least utilised tools for saving petrol, especially useful when going downhill, nearing crossroads, or during stop-and-go traffic, according to Mr Wallis.
With the average price of unleaded petrol lingering around 135p per litre and diesel exceeding 140p, Mr Wallis advises that mastering this more economical driving style is a shrewd move to cut costs.
He advised motorists: "As long as your car was built in the last 25 to 30 years, it's highly likely to have DFCO built in. You just need to adjust your driving style slightly to take advantage of it."
He emphasised the benefits of engine braking over coasting in neutral, noting its safety and efficiency: "It's one of the simplest habits to adopt.
"Ease off the throttle early and allow the car to naturally slow itself down while in gear. You stay in control, reduce brake wear, and burn no fuel while doing it."
Highlighting the financial and environmental advantages, he added: "In a time where fuel costs are unpredictable and every pound counts, using your vehicle's existing technology to save money just makes sense.
"It's better for your budget, better for your car, and better for the environment."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Drivers can make their car use 'zero fuel' - without switching to an EV
A built-in feature present in most modern petrol and diesel cars could save drivers significantly at the pump Drivers are being tipped off about a savvy driving technique that could see them save on fuel without having to ditch their petrol or diesel vehicles for an electric alternative. The trick lies in a feature already installed in the majority of contemporary cars, which could lead to substantial savings at the filling station. Fuel expert Gordon Wallis from Your NRG has shed light on the benefits of coasting in gear, which triggers the Deceleration Fuel Cut-Off (DFCO) system, effectively stopping fuel from being injected when decelerating under certain conditions. Mr Wallis said: "When you lift your foot off the accelerator but keep the car in gear, the engine is driven by the wheels, not fuel. That means your car can effectively use zero fuel while slowing down. "It's a clever bit of engineering that most drivers are benefiting from without even realising it." Despite being a standard feature in cars since the 1990s, DFCO remains one of the least utilised tools for saving petrol, especially useful when going downhill, nearing crossroads, or during stop-and-go traffic, according to Mr Wallis. With the average price of unleaded petrol lingering around 135p per litre and diesel exceeding 140p, Mr Wallis advises that mastering this more economical driving style is a shrewd move to cut costs. He advised motorists: "As long as your car was built in the last 25 to 30 years, it's highly likely to have DFCO built in. You just need to adjust your driving style slightly to take advantage of it." He emphasised the benefits of engine braking over coasting in neutral, noting its safety and efficiency: "It's one of the simplest habits to adopt. "Ease off the throttle early and allow the car to naturally slow itself down while in gear. You stay in control, reduce brake wear, and burn no fuel while doing it." Highlighting the financial and environmental advantages, he added: "In a time where fuel costs are unpredictable and every pound counts, using your vehicle's existing technology to save money just makes sense. "It's better for your budget, better for your car, and better for the environment."
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Daily Record
Drivers can use 'zero fuel' with this little-known trick
Following the expert's advice can save motorists money when driving. Motorists are being urged to follow this smart driving advice, which could result in them using less fuel while on the road. According to experts, drivers could save cash at the petrol pump by simply doing one thing. All motorists have to do is take their foot off the accelerator. The advice centres around a built-in feature present in most modern petrol and diesel cars, and it could save drivers significantly when fuelling up. Gordon Wallis, fuel expert at Your NRG, said coasting in gear activates a system known as Deceleration Fuel Cut-Off (DFCO). This feature halts fuel injection during certain driving conditions, allowing the car to burn no fuel while decelerating. He explained: "When you lift your foot off the accelerator but keep the car in gear, the engine is driven by the wheels, not fuel. 'That means your car can effectively use zero fuel while slowing down. It's a clever bit of engineering that most drivers are benefiting from without even realising it.' This system has been standard in most cars since the mid-1990s and reportedly remains one of the most underused fuel-saving features, particularly helpful during downhill stretches, approaching junctions, or easing off in traffic. With unleaded fuel still averaging around 135p per litre and diesel over 140p, experts believe learning to drive more efficiently is a smart way to reduce spending. Gordon added: 'As long as your car was built in the last 25 to 30 years, it's highly likely to have DFCO built in. You just need to adjust your driving style slightly to take advantage of it.' He adds that it's safer and more effective than coasting in neutral and can easily become second nature with practice. He said: 'It's one of the simplest habits to adopt. Ease off the throttle early and allow the car to naturally slow itself down while in gear. You stay in control, reduce brake wear, and burn no fuel while doing it.' 'In a time where fuel costs are unpredictable and every pound counts, using your vehicle's existing technology to save money just makes sense. It's better for your budget, better for your car, and better for the environment.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Another car expert recently highlighted three key areas of your vehicle that need to be checked for optimal fuel economy - including the 30,000 mile rule. TikTok user chequanlaosi (@chequanlaosi) emphasised in a social media video that spark plugs need to be replaced regularly to maximise a car's mileage. While some spark plugs can last more than 100,000 miles, drivers will see the most benefit from a change every 30,000 miles, according to Bob Moore Auto Group. The TikTok presenter added that worn spark plugs will reduce your car's power and increase fuel consumption. Next, the car expert in the clip mentions how a vehicle's canister purge valve under the hood can remain open, allowing fuel vapour to continuously enter the engine and raise fuel consumption.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Drivers can use 'zero fuel' with this little-known trick, claims expert
Fuel expert Gordon Wallis breaks down YouTuber 'MichDrivesCars' money-saving 'zero fuel' hack that saves your fuel and your pocket. The science comes down to a system found in most cars A smarter way of driving could involve no fuel according to one who has offered a 'zero fuel' trick. MickDrivesCars, a creator on YouTube, has come forward, admitting to lifting his foot off the accelerator and brake, promising viewers would see a significant drop in petrol and diesel use. The YouTuber claims that by removing pressure from the accelerator completely, drivers will preserve their fuel, maxing out their money's worth. The theory derives from the built-in feature now present in most modern fuelled cars, and with already steeped prices for fuel rising, this could be worth the try. READ MORE: Best and worst airlines for food ranked including Ryanair, BA, easyJet and Wizz Air Fuel expert Gordon Wallis, from Your NRG, states that cruising whilst in gear will activate the system DFCO (Deceleration Fuel Cut-Off). DFCO pauses the fuel injection in specific conditions. This, in turn, allows the vehicle to no longer burn fuel during deceleration. Mr Wallis says: "When you lift your foot off the accelerator but keep the car in gear, the engine is driven by the wheels, not fuel. Your car can effectively use zero fuel while slowing down. It's a clever bit of engineering that most drivers are benefiting from without even realising it". The expert added that the standard system is found in "most cars since the mid-1990s and remains one of the most underused fuel-saving features, particularly helpful during downhill stretches, approaching junctions, or easing off in traffic". As the average unleaded fuel rate is 135p, with diesel over 140, Wallis went on to point out the importance of learning to drive efficiently, this being a smart method to reduce costs and fuel expenditure. Mr Wallis added: "As long as your car was built in the last 25 to 30 years, it's highly likely to have DFCO built in" and that all drivers nee to do is "adjust [their] driving style slightly to take advantage of it". The expert also shared that this was a much safer and effective way of driving compared to staying in neutral - the method easy to adopt with practice. "It's one of the simplest habits to adopt. Ease off the throttle early and allow the car to naturally slow itself down while in gear. You stay in control, reduce brake wear, and burn no fuel while doing it". Interestingly, Wallis concluded by saying: "In a time where fuel costs are unpredictable and every pound counts, using your vehicle's existing technology to save money just makes sense. It's better for your budget, better for your car, and better for the environment".
