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If You Dont Want to Go Broke! 5 Ways to Drive Fuel-Efficiently

Auto03 Apr 2026 09:00 GMT+7

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If You Dont Want to Go Broke! 5 Ways to Drive Fuel-Efficiently

The latest retail fuel prices in Bangkok and its metropolitan area (excluding local maintenance taxes) as of 3 Apr 2026 GMT+7 have increased, especially diesel. The average prices from major suppliers (PTT Station and Bangchak) show diesel rising by 3.50 baht per liter. The Fuel Fund Committee (FFC) decided to reduce subsidies, causing diesel prices to surge.

Hi-Diesel S / Hi-Diesel B7: 47.74 baht per liter.
Hi-Premium Diesel S B7: 66.14 baht per liter (up 4.00 baht).
Gasoline and Gasohol group (increased by 0.70 baht per liter).
Gasoline: 52.54 baht per liter.
Gasohol 95: 43.95 baht per liter.
Gasohol 91: 43.58 baht per liter.
Gasohol E20: 38.95 baht per liter.
Gasohol E85: 35.69 baht per liter.
Hi Premium 97 (GSH 95++): 57.54 baht per liter.

Seeing fuel prices leaves almost no solution besides switching to electric cars, which cost an additional 500,000 to 800,000 baht. In this situation, most people cannot afford to transition from fuel to electric powertrains, making fuel-efficient driving important. Fuel-saving depends not only on engine throttle control but primarily on driving behavior. Here are 5 ways that can save some money in your wallet, more or less.

1. Maintain a steady speed (Steady Speed).

Driving at a consistent speed helps a lot. The most fuel-efficient speed for most cars is about 80–90 km/h. Using Cruise Control on long drives helps keep throttle input more balanced than manually pressing the pedal.

2. Avoid aggressive acceleration (Smooth Acceleration).

When starting from a red light, gradually press the accelerator to increase speed smoothly. Avoid flooring it to surge forward immediately, as fuel consumption is highest during acceleration. Driving steadily but not slowly greatly reduces fuel waste.

3. Anticipate traffic to reduce braking (Anticipate Traffic).

Try to look far ahead. If you see a red light or slowing traffic, immediately lift your foot off the accelerator to let the car coast with inertia instead of approaching closely and braking hard. This saves fuel and preserves brake pads.

4. Check tire pressure appropriately.

Underinflated tires increase the contact patch with the road, causing higher friction. The engine then works harder to move the vehicle. Check tire pressure at least monthly to match the values indicated on the vehicle door sticker.

5. Reduce unnecessary weight in the car.

Items left in the car trunk—whether golf bags, toolboxes, or miscellaneous objects—add weight, causing the engine to expend more energy. Removing unused items may reduce weight by only a few kilograms but can significantly save fuel in the long run.

Additional tip: If parked or waiting for more than 3-5 minutes, turning off the engine saves more fuel than idling. Although restarting uses some fuel, it is less than the fuel consumed while idling for a long time.

If you want to save fuel and keep stress off the rising fuel prices affecting household expenses, try these lighthearted psychological and superstition-inspired methods.

1. Use your imagination: "Cloud-Soft Feet."

Pretend there is an egg under your accelerator pedal. Pressing too hard will break it. Or imagine the accelerator is the face of a creditor you want to avoid. Touch it lightly and smoothly, like stroking a cat's head. This gentle foot pressure will make you forget the fuel gauge momentarily but beware: cars behind may honk because you block their way. If driving this way, let faster cars pass instead of blocking.

2. The "Slow Life" Music Festival.

Stop listening to rock or dance music with fast beats in your car temporarily, as the rhythm often makes you press the accelerator faster. Switch to ambient music, spa tunes, or chanting instead. Drive slower to the music's pace. Smile at those who overtake and think, "Go ahead and fill up first."

3. The "Together on the Same Route" Charm.

The real saving is carpooling. Announce to friends or coworkers, "Who travels this route? Looking for a ride buddy." Besides sharing coffee costs to help fuel expenses, having passengers makes you more considerate, avoiding speeding or abrupt braking, thus improving driving manners.

4. The "The Shinier, The More Efficient" Theory.

Try washing your car spotless until even flies stumble on it. Aerodynamically (by imagination), a smooth car cuts through the air better. Psychologically, you won’t want to drive fast fearing dust or stones hitting the shiny surface. Slower driving naturally saves fuel.

5. The "Eat Well, Car Well" Strategy.

Eat a full meal before leaving home. When hungry, you tend to be impatient and press the accelerator hard to reach the restaurant quickly. When full, you have more energy to stay calm and relax even in traffic jams, just digesting leisurely.

If you try all these methods and still feel stressed, consider switching to public transportation like the BTS Skytrain, cycling to work (though not recommended in this weather), or simply walking to the nearest 7-Eleven instead of starting your car. Not only will you save fuel, but you’ll also get better fitness as a bonus.