The cost of fuel continues to be an ongoing discussion and area of concern. This, combined with a push toward a greener future, has made reducing fuel consumption, where possible, a high priority for us car owners.
Having seen petrol prices hit record highs across the UK, it’s more important than ever to understand how to save fuel while driving.
To help drivers save some money at the pumps, we’ve put together a guide to economical driving which will help you increase your miles per gallon. While speed is arguably the most important factor, there are a number of different ways you can adapt your driving to save some fuel in the long run.
In order to reduce running costs, regular maintenance on your car is essential.
Tyres
You should find a guide to the various ideal tyre pressures in your vehicle manual, or on a large sticker that is frequently found in the door sill or glovebox. Tyre pressure should also be regularly checked to make sure that any slow punctures are discovered. Tyre pressure should be set according to the number of people travelling and the amount of luggage you're taking along with you.
Autoparts advises using a digital tyre pressure gauge to monitor your car's tyre pressure closely. These are appropriate for use on all types of vehicles, including cars, vans, trucks, and tankers.
Gear up to go further
When you take the wheel, accelerate using a "light right foot" technique and maintain measured revs in the highest gear appropriate for the circumstances. Try to prevent sudden acceleration as much as you can because it will deplete your fuel tank.
You'll notice the burn (on the fuel gauge as well as your tyres or clutch) in vehicles with smaller engines, like 1.0-litre city cars, especially at faster speeds or when you need to stop more sharply than usual on those winding country roads.
In addition, when driving downward on hills, remember to let the car do the job rather than pressing on the brakes. However, if there is any oncoming traffic or if you are nearing a junction, you should be prepared to do so. Use your current momentum to almost "slingshot" yourself up hills when there are stretches of incline. Instead of pressing the pedal all the way to the floor for a quick acceleration, shift into a steady climbing gear.
Stick to speed limits
According to a study by WhatCar? Magazine, when travelling at 80mph instead of 70mph, a 1.6-litre Ford Focus's fuel economy decreased by as much as 20%, limiting its range and quickening the need for the next fuel stop.
This demonstrates how even slight real-world speeding, such as travelling 5–10mph over the posted limit on a fairly straightforward or quiet stretch of road, has a detrimental influence on fuel economy. It's best to adhere to the posted speed limit for the road you're travelling on in order to improve your mpg and to abide by the law.
Explore the fuel treatments offered by Autoparts to improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.
Weight, one more thing...
Remember to remove any extra weight before setting off on your journey; you'll save fuel this way, as your vehicle will be lighter and have reduced drag. But we advise you don't remove the essentials! Some emergency gear, should be kept in your boot, such as a tyre pump, torch, hi-vis vest, and, in the winter, a shovel for snow removal. Sports bags, boots, sticks, or racquets, as well as balls, can be stored somewhere else while not in use.
When not in use, remove roof bars and bike racks from the exterior of your car since they increase wind drag, which lowers fuel economy. In fact, research by the Energy Saving Trust suggests that when driving at cruising speeds, these attachments can reduce fuel economy by as much as 15%.
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