How to save fuel: Efficient driving tips and advice

24 Posted: 24th Feb 2022
How to save fuel: Efficient driving tips and advice

You have probably noticed things are getting more expensive, the weekly shop, clothes and importantly for drivers, fuel!

A combination of oil prices, supply chain issues and driver shortages have all worked together to give us the eye-watering fuel prices we are seeing at the pumps today.

Despite this doom and gloom, there are a few things you can do to help make that precious fuel go that bit further, with a few simple changes to your driving habits.

  • How can I improve fuel efficiency?

    The way you drive will have a significant effect on the amount of fuel you use. High revs and heavy braking is a good way to ensure you will be spending more time at the pumps!

    Little changes on their own will not increase your precious MPG by much, but all together can certainly help to save you money.

    So what can be done to help make the fuel go further?

    • Remove unnecessary weight
    • Anticipate the road ahead
    • Keep tyres inflated to the correct pressure
    • Streamline your vehicle
    • Reduce the use of air conditioning
    • Use public transport
    • Fuel Effieicent cars

     

  • Remove unnecessary weight

    Car seats, roof boxes and the pile of coats in your boot you keep meaning to take out all add unnecessary weight to your car. When not in use it is a good idea to remove these as it will reduce the work your engine has to do, thus saving fuel.

    Roof boxes and racks increase drag on your car, which also means the engine has to work that little bit harder.

  • woman installing car seat
  • Anticipate the road ahead

    Of course, being somewhat aware of your surroundings is always a good idea when driving! But noticing what may be happening further than the car ahead can also save fuel. Is that traffic light about to turn red? Or maybe someone is nearing a zebra crossing?

    Being aware of this in good time can help you reduce the need to brake harshly or have to come to a stop.

  • traffic light with walk sign
  • Keep tyres inflated to the correct pressure

    Having underinflated tyres can cause a whole host of safety hazards, from stability issues, to increased breaking distance. For our purposes however, it can increase your fuel consumption.

    Having under-inflated tyres increases the drag on your vehicle, increasing fuel consumption by around 5%.

  • Mechanic inflating tyres
  • Streamline your vehicle

    Picture the scene, the sun is out, your window is down, and the warm breeze is blowing on your arm as you cruise along with the radio playing your favourite song.

    Sounds great doesn't it? But you may as well throw your money out that open window! Aerodynamics are key, keep those windows shut!

  • woman driving with her window down
  • Reduce the use of air conditioning

    Now I know this next one is not helpful as I have already told you to keep your window shut, and now you can’t use your aircon. In the summer, absolutely use the aircon especially with passengers! But it is a good idea to be mindful of if you need it on ALL the time. After all, using air conditioning can increase your fuel consumption by around 8-10%!

  • car air conditioning
  • Use Public Transport

    If you REALLY don’t want to go back to the pumps, you can ditch the car all together! Trains, buses and trams can be your transport around town. You may have to deal with the elements, incomprehensible bus timetables and train delays, but hey, at least you’re not paying for the petrol!

  • interior of a public bus
  • Fuel efficient cars

    Lastly, and perhaps most sensibly, you could make the wise choice to purchase a highly fuel efficient car. This could be a car with a good MPG rating, a plug-hybrid or even a fully electric car, which means you’ll never have to go to the pumps again!

     

     

     

    Images via Freepik.com

  • photo of a charger being plugged into an electric car

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