With fuel prices ever on the rise, it is important for drivers to know how to get the most out of their fuel every time they top up. We’ve compiled a list of five top tips about how to ensure your vehicle and driving style are extremely economical whilst remaining safe for the roads.
Keep your car well-maintained
One simple yet key factor of how economical your vehicle can be is how well-maintained it is. There are a few vital aspects which will make all the difference when it comes to making that fuel go further and last longer:
- Ensure tyres are inflated properly and check their pressures regularly, as under-inflated tyres can create rolling resistance which, in turn, will lead them to using more fuel.
- Make sure that your vehicle’s engine oil is full, and is the correct type – this will be listed in your vehicle’s handbook.
- Get your vehicle serviced regularly to ensure your engine’s efficiency is as high as it can be at all times.
Keep your vehicle light
It goes without saying that the heavier the car, the more fuel it will use; so make sure that you are not carrying unnecessary, surplus weight in your vehicle when you make a journey. As well as this, remove any unnecessary roof-racks and boxes which could be making your vehicle less streamlined and, thus, less fuel efficient. Not only will lightening your car’s load make your car more efficient, but it will be lighter and more pleasant to drive.
Drive smart
The way in which you drive your vehicle can have a huge impact on how economical it is in terms of fuel consumption. Since driving instructors do not specifically teach the art of fuel-efficient driving in driving lessons, many people are unaware of the simple tips and tricks that will help your fuel go further. Here are some simple ways this can be achieved:
- Avoid the brakes too much, opting instead to plan instances of slowing down further in advance and move down the gears instead to incur natural engine braking.
- Accelerate gently, and always move up gears as soon as possible when driving. Instead of travelling at a high speed in a low gear which creates a multitude of engine revs which burn fuel extremely quickly, sit in a high gear instead. Many modern vehicles are now being fitted with gear shift indicators which advise people when it is time to change up or down a gear to be as fuel efficient as possible whilst remaining safe.
- Although the temptation to coast in neutral is apparent, due to the appeal of saving fuel by doing so, it is an unsafe practice and is strongly advised against.
Avoid too much air conditioning and heating
Instead of turning your air conditioning or heating up high in particularly cold or hot weather, try and opt for less taxing solutions in terms of your fuel tank. Wrap up warm on cold journeys, or open your windows or sunroof on hot days, and make your fuel go further elsewhere.
Combine short trips
Cold starts use a lot of fuel, so if you have a few small errands to run, why not combine them into one trip so your car is already warmed up each time you need to travel to your next errand’s nearby location. This will not only save fuel but save you precious time each week by combining your jobs in one trip.
Here at Oaks Services, we are a leading provider of first rate MOTs, car repairs and other car services to vehicles in the South East. Our in-depth vehicle servicing allows you to keep your vehicle running to its best ability year-round at a price you can afford. For more information on any of our services, or to arrange a service for your vehicle today, get in touch with our friendly team of experts – we’re happy to help with any enquiry.
