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.
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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”.