Even ignoring the environmental issue, reducing how much fuel you use is an idea most will find appealing. Petrol and Diesel prices seem to be rising by the day, reaching £1 a litre in some places, so we are sure some ideas on getting the most out of each visit to the petrol station will be welcome. And in reducing how much fuel you use, you will be helping the planet and its ever decreasing resources.
Here are some simple and practical ways you can get the most out of the fuel you buy:
Drive Smoothly
Avoid stressing the car unduly. Charging away from the lights only to have to brake sharply for the next set does nothing for your car, or your fuel consumption. Read the road ahead, brake early and gently and accelerate smoothly.
Check Your Tyres
It is thought that up to 50% of cars on UK roads are driving around with incorrectly inflated tyres. Get yourself a tyre pressure gauge from any motoring store and check regularly. Don't rely too much on the gauges in petrol stations as they are often inaccurate. Tyres that are even slightly flat will add to your fuel consumption.
Car Share
Get together with some work mates and work out a driving rota. Driving to work only 2 or 3 times a week instead of 6 or 7 times is going to have an obvious positive effect on your fuel consumption.
Close the Windows
Having a window open totally ruins any aerodynamics your car might have, increasing drag and therefore forcing the car to use more fuel. Close the windows and open the vents. If you do have to have the window open, open it as little as possible to get enough air in the car.
Turn off the Air Conditioning
Windows closed AND air con off? Ok so we agree that there may be a few days when it will be too hot to do both of these things, but in the good old UK, not too many! Air conditioning uses at least 5 percent of your fuel (in some cars, much more than that). Turn it off for some instant savings.
Use Higher Gears
At slower speeds, try to keep the gearing high. Driving at 40mph in 4th or 5th will save up to 20% fuel consumption over driving the same speed in 3rd. However, listen to your engine. Making the car labour will harm your new found fuel efficiency.
Drive Slower
We are not really talking about driving around town here. Driving at 70mph rather than 80mph or 90mph on the motorway will mean a not inconsiderable 5mpg saving in some cars. Not that we are suggesting any of you drive above the speed limit...
Cruise Control
Whilst we are on the subject of motorway driving, it is worth using cruise control (if you are lucky enough to drive are car that has it). Set it to 70mph and let the computer help you make fuel savings.
Drive or Walk?
If you are only popping into town or to a visit friends, consider walking instead of driving. Quite aside from being good for your health, walking instead of driving short distances makes economical sense. Your car might do 40mpg on the motorway, but this will almost always fall on a short drive into...
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