Everyone wants to save money in any way possible, so you’ll be glad to know that you can easily save money on your petrol costs. Simple driving tips and vehicle maintenance can go a long way towards fuel efficiency, which means you’ll be lowering your carbon footprint and saving your hard earned cash at the same time. Here are 10 tips for improving the fuel efficiency of your car:
Check your tyres
You should check the tyres for safety reasons before long journeys, but did you know this could also save you some fuel? Under inflated tyres create more rolling resistance, therefore using up more fuel.
Service your car
Getting your car serviced regularly will ensure engine efficiency, so you’ll save in the long run.
Clear the boot
More weight in your car requires more fuel to move it. Are you guilty of driving around with a boot full of junk? Clear it out and only carry what you need, and you’ll soon notice the difference in fuel usage.
Combine short trips
You may think that shorter trips use less fuel, but actually starting up requires the most petrol. So if you take several short trips per day, you could be more fuel efficient by combining your errands into one longer journey.
Slow down your driving
The faster you go, the more fuel the car needs. Driving a little slower can drastically reduce your fuel consumption – driving at 80mph can use up to 25% more fuel that 70mph.
Don’t sit with the engine on
This may sound obvious, but many drivers are guilty of it. They may be picking up the kids or waiting for someone to go into the post office and come back out, for five minutes or more with the engine on. This is a complete waste of fuel. If you are stationary and parked up, turn off the engine. Similarly, when getting in your car don’t turn on the engine until you are ready to set off – if it’s a cold morning scrape the ice rather than waiting for the car to ‘warm up’ and melt it.
Read the road
Eco driving includes reading the road ahead so you can drive smoothly, aiming to eliminate the need for stopping and starting. If you see a red light ahead, slow down early and brake gently, and by the time you reach the light it may have turned green. Less stopping and starting reduces fuel consumption.
Turn off what you don’t need
From the heated windscreen to the blowers, make sure you only use the gadgets you need. These electrical loads can be a drain on your petrol tank.
Change gear early
Driving in as higher gear as possible without putting strain on the engine is the most fuel efficient way to drive.
Cut the air con
Air conditioning systems are a huge fuel waster. Drive with the windows down instead unless you’re travelling at very high speeds.
Armed with these 10 tips, you’ll be able to increase your fuel efficiency and get more out of each tank. Do you have any other eco driving tips? Let us know.