A fuel-saving technique that enables motorists to consume no petrol or diesel whilst their vehicle remains in motion is being backed by a motoring expert.

The method involves removing pressure from the accelerator pedal whilst maintaining the car in gear.

This approach triggers an integrated mechanism found in the majority of modern vehicles, which completely stops fuel from entering the engine under specific circumstances.

The technology offers substantial savings potential as petrol prices continue to fluctuate, much to the annoyance of motorists.

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Gordon Wallis from Your NRG has identified this underutilised feature as particularly valuable given current economic pressures on household budgets.

The mechanism, called Deceleration Fuel Cut-Off or DFCO, functions by stopping fuel injection when drivers coast with their vehicle engaged in gear.

During this process, the vehicle's wheels drive the engine rather than fuel combustion powering the movement.

This technology has been incorporated into virtually all petrol and diesel vehicles manufactured from the mid-1990s onwards.

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The technique could have major benefits for hard-pressed motorists

The system activates automatically when motorists release the accelerator whilst keeping their car in gear, making it accessible to most drivers without requiring any modifications.

The feature proves especially useful when travelling downhill, slowing for traffic lights, or reducing speed in congested conditions.

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."

The fuel specialist emphasised that this method surpasses coasting in neutral for both safety and efficiency, noting: "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.

"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."

Wallis said this tip was particularly important, given the uncertainty around petrol and diesel prices.

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Petrol and diesel prices continue to fluctuate at the pumps

He concluded: "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."

At present, fuel prices sit at 134.9p per litre for petrol, while diesel drivers are paying an average of 142.49p, according to RAC Fuel Watch data.

No changes are forecast, although rising tensions around the globe could have a dramatic impact on prices in the UK, as seen after the Russian invasion of Ukraine and recent hostilities between Israel and Iran.