1. Accelerate smoothly
The perfect way to drive is at a constant speed (ideally 50mph) in a high gear such as fifth or sixth. Hard accelerating out of corners or when overtaking can up the cost of your fuel bills considerably over time. You’re more than likely to be just one car in front of them when you get to the next set of lights, so is it worth it?
2.Stick to the speed limit
If you ignored the law you may end up with a expensive envelope drop on your doormat but you will also have spent more getting to your destination. Although your car will be running for a shorter amount of time, the cost of that journey will be higher. On a long 200 mile drive, getting there 20 minutes sooner may cost you en extra £7 in fuel.
3. Keep your car well maintained
It’s an obvious statement but well maintained cars will be more efficient. Car engines are complex with lots of moving parts, therefore you need to keep them lubricated and functioning properly so your miles per gallon are as high as possible. A quick call to us or visit to the garage will make sure your engine is in its best shape and running smoothly.
4. Check tyre pressures
An essential yet often overlooked car economy check is the tyre pressures. The lower the tyre pressure, the more energy it takes for the car to move therefore using more petrol. A quick 5 minute check every couple of trips to the petrol station should be enough to keep you tyres at a constant, correct level making them last longer too.
5. Close the windows and sunroof
The aerodynamics of your car can greatly affect your fuel consumption. With windows open your car requires more energy to push it along, therefore using more fuel. Car designers consider the aerodynamics as one of the most important design elements of a car; don’t ruin their hard work by opening the window. I can be more cost effective to have your air conditioning on.
6. Remove to roof rack
Similar to leaving your window open but worse, roof racks add drag to the car increasing fuel consumption. Take those five minutes to take them off through the week even if you use them every weekend.
7. Group trips together
It’s a Saturday and you have got to drop the kids off at their friends, do a shopping run, go to the tip and drag yourself to the gym. Don’t do them all separately, plan your day and group all the trips into one thus keeping the engine warm. Running a car from cold can increase the fuel consumption over the first 20 minutes or so.
8. Don’t carry unnecessary weight
The more weight you have in your car the more fuel you need to move it. Taking out the golf clubs after the weekend will make your car that little bit more efficient and easier to drive too.
9. Don’t push accelerator down too far
Having to push the accelerator down fully when you’re in a gear which is too high for the speed you’re driving can affect your miles per gallon. You may be running at low revs but this is making the engine work harder. Always try and be in the right gear for the speed you’re driving and the incline or decline you’re on.
10. Turn off the air con
The temperature in your car is important but if you’re looking to save money on fuel, turn your air-con off when it’s not essential. It drains energy from your engine and increases your fuel consumption. Keeping your air conditioning maintained and re-gassed will also reduce the amount of effort the engine uses to make it work.