Quick Summary
- Choose the right vehicle and fuel policy so you are not paying for petrol you do not use.
- Apply smooth driving habits and simple car care checks that noticeably reduce fuel consumption on the road.
- Use Hola Car Rentals benefits to keep overall trip costs predictable, from toll cashback to inclusive cover.
Start with the right vehicle and fuel options
The smartest way to save money on petrol in a rental car is to start with a vehicle that matches what you really need. Compact models are usually more efficient than large SUVs with big engines, so resist the temptation to upgrade just because a larger model looks impressive on the forecourt. Unless you are covering serious off road distances or carrying lots of luggage, a modest hatchback will normally sip far less fuel.
When comparing offers, pay close attention to how the fuel policy works. Full to full is usually the fairest arrangement, because you only pay for what you actually burn. Avoid returning the car nearly empty and paying premium forecourt rates at the counter if you can help it. Booking your car hire early also gives you the best chance of locking in an efficient model with transparent fuel terms before the most economical categories sell out.
Drive smoothly and keep speeds sensible
How you drive can change fuel use by a surprisingly large amount. Rapid acceleration away from traffic lights, heavy braking at the last second and constant lane changing all waste petrol. Instead, look well ahead, ease off the accelerator early when you see traffic slowing and let the car roll smoothly where the road allows. On open highways, pick a steady speed close to the limit rather than drifting far above it, as aerodynamic drag increases quickly at higher speeds.
Many modern vehicles include cruise control, which can help maintain a constant pace on relatively flat roads. Use it thoughtfully, switching off on hilly stretches or in heavy traffic where you need more precise control. The more you keep the engine working in its most efficient range, the further each tank will take you between refuelling stops.
Plan routes carefully and avoid unnecessary idling
Route choice matters more than many drivers think. Sitting in stop start traffic around a theme park exit or circling busy blocks near a city centre restaurant wastes both time and fuel. Before you set off, glance at your navigation app for congestion and close any loops in your itinerary so that you are not constantly backtracking across town.
Avoid long periods of idling with the engine running. If you are waiting to collect someone, it is usually better to park legally, switch off and step out for a short leg stretch rather than sit with the engine humming and the air conditioning on full blast. On hot days, open the doors for a minute to release built up heat before you set off and then use the ventilation system at a moderate setting while you are moving.
Look after tyres and luggage weight
Simple car care makes a real difference to fuel use. Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance so the engine has to work harder to keep you moving. Most US filling stations have air pumps, so it is worth checking pressures every week or so on a long trip and bringing them back to the recommended values on the door pillar or in the handbook.
Excess weight also costs money at the pump. Try not to treat the boot as permanent storage for everything you own. Remove heavy suitcases or sports equipment you do not need that day and avoid leaving empty roof boxes or racks attached when you are not using them, as they add both weight and wind resistance. For more background on how fuel costs interact with road charges, you can read a clear guide to refuelling charges and tolls before you travel.
Use Hola Car Rentals advantages to keep your budget under control
With a few simple habits you will already be stretching each tank further, but the way you book can help too. Hola Car Rentals specialises in transparent pricing, with no additional fees at pick up and save 60 percent guaranteed deals on many itineraries compared with headline prices at the counter. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before collection lets you adjust dates if you find a cheaper flight or decide to shorten your driving days.
All Inclusive+ rates with maximum coverage and maximum liability coverage of up to US$300,000 on selected routes mean you know your upper risk level in advance, which makes it easier to decide how much petrol money you want to allocate to detours and scenic drives. If your trip includes toll highways around Orlando or Los Angeles, Hola Car Rentals can also provide cashback on tolls so you are not paying twice just to avoid traffic jams. You might even choose to split your journey between an efficient compact for city days and a roomier model booked through Los Angeles airport pick up options when you head into the desert.
Families planning theme park marathons can also schedule a fuel efficient vehicle from Orlando airport collections, using careful route planning and shared luggage to stay within a realistic petrol budget while still giving everyone plenty of space.
FAQs
- Does cruise control really save petrol on a rental car? Used on gentle motorway stretches, cruise control can improve efficiency by smoothing out tiny speed changes that you might not notice. It is less helpful on steep hills or in dense traffic where you need to respond quickly to other vehicles.
- Is it cheaper to refill at the airport or away from it? Filling up at a station just outside the airport complex is often cheaper than using forecourts inside the car return area, which may charge premium prices. Allow a little extra time on your last day to stop at a regular station and top off the tank.
- How much difference does air conditioning make to fuel use? Air conditioning does increase fuel consumption, especially at low speeds, but driving with the windows wide open also creates drag at motorway speeds. In hot weather, cool the car down and then use the system at a moderate setting while keeping windows mostly closed.
- How can Hola Car Rentals help me control fuel costs? By choosing clear fuel policies, inclusive cover and competitive prices from Hola Car Rentals partners, you can focus on driving smoothly and picking efficient routes, knowing that there are no surprise fees waiting at the counter.
