Limit your use of climate control - Keep your petrol costs down
Although fuel prices seem to have stabilised over the past few months, the cost-of-living crisis is still forcing us to tighten our belts, while the speed you drive at is arguably the most influential factor affecting fuel consumption, there are several other ways you can change your driving habits that will have a significant impact on the money you spend at the pump.
IAM RoadSmart has put together some top tips for driving and riding more eco-friendly, which in turn can help cut the amount of fuel you use.
Watch your speed
Excessive speed and acceleration are the biggest fuel guzzler so having a light right foot is vital to fuel efficient driving. Low revs and a higher gear will usually be best if the engine is not labouring. Maintain a greater distance from the vehicle in front so that you can regulate your speed, when necessary, utilising acceleration sense and without using the brakes.
When slowing down or driving downhill, remain in gear but take your foot off the accelerator as early as possible to reduce fuel flow to virtually zero, in most vehicles.
Ditch the drag
The heavier your car, the more fuel it needs to move around. You wouldn't carry around a heavy suitcase unless you were on holiday, so don't forget to remove those golf clubs left in the boot or ski box on your roof bursting with equipment. The more pared back your car is, the lighter and more efficient it will be.
Check your tyres
Keep your tyres well maintained by checking the condition, pressure, and tread depth. An underinflated tyre will use more fuel. When it comes to choosing new tyres, it’s worth having a look at ones which are designed for extra economy. If you’re unsure on how to check your pressures, then check out Tyre Safe who offer a range of resources for vehicle owners. However, it is always advisable to check the setting recommended by your vehicle manufacturer, and this can be found in your handbook.
Limit your use of climate control
Air conditioning (AC) is the single largest contributor to lower fuel economy during the summer. Under very hot conditions, AC can reduce a vehicle’s economy by a whopping 25%. Since air conditioning systems run off the engine, they often sap power and fuel efficiency in the process, so if you don’t need it on then you may eke out a few extra mpg if you turn it off. If you do need it, then it’s worth using sparingly.
Read the road
Look to the road ahead and plan your next move. Instead of being in situations where you find yourself needing to be heavier footed on the brake, try slowing down as you approach the red light or junction, if you can keep the vehicle rolling slowly all the better. It’s also recommended to avoid hard acceleration when moving your car from a complete stop, or climbing a hill as it will increase fuel consumption.
IAM RoadSmart’s Chief Examiner, Richard Gladman says:
“Advanced driving techniques lend themselves well to helping with fuel economy, observation, anticipation, and planning will help you not to waste fuel. Smooth and gentle acceleration and early upward gear changes will also help.
Making sure you are not carrying any excess baggage (do you really need your full toolbox in the boot) or wind brakes such as roof boxes/bars or cycle racks when they are not needed, will also help to reduce fuel use. At low speeds an open window may work as well as air conditioning and will probably use less fuel, but this will change as speeds increase and drag rises.
But of course, the biggest saving will be if we can cut out the short journeys – that few hundred yards to the shop may just be the start of our new health kick."
