Saving on fuel costs just got easier!
The cost of fuel has risen significantly recently and has become a major expense to many drivers. Here are some tips on how to reduce your fuel consumption and make fewer trips to the petrol station!
Engine oil
Make sure you use the correct specification of engine oil
Tyre pressures
Check tyre pressures regularly and before long journeys. Under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance and so use more fuel. Getting tyre pressures right is important for safety too.
Lose weight
Extra weight means extra fuel so if there’s stuff in the boot you don’t need on the journey take it out.
Streamline
Roof racks/boxes create extra wind resistance and so increase fuel consumption. If you don’t need it take it off, if you do, pack carefully to reduce the extra drag.
Easy does it
Drive smoothly, accelerate gently, and read the road ahead to avoid unnecessary braking.
Change up earlier
Change gear as soon as possible without laboring the engine – try changing up at an engine speed of around 2000 rpm in a diesel car or around 2500 rpm in a petrol car.
Cut down on the air-con
Air conditioning increases fuel consumption at low speeds, but at higher speeds, the effects are less noticeable. Don’t leave aircon on all the time – you should run it at least once a week throughout the year though to maintain the system in good condition.
Stick to the limits
Drive at or within the speed limit – the faster you go the greater the fuel consumption. Driving at 70mph uses up to nine per cent more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15 per cent more than at 50mph.
Next time you’re out for a drive remember these 8 tips for saving on fuel costs and it might just help you save some £££ for a rainy day.
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