How can I save money on fuel costs?
With high fuel prices still a constant issue at the petrol pumps, making the most of the fuel in your car is an increasingly important issue for motorists. Here are some tips as to how you can improve the fuel efficiency of your car, which will hopefully save you money when filling up.
Maintain Your Vehicle
This is number one on our list of ways to save money on fuel costs because if your car is running efficiently, the fuel consumption should be at its optimum. It is important to have your vehicle regularly maintained and serviced to ensure everything is working as it should.
Check your tyre pressure
This is an essential routine check to support fuel efficiency. Your tyres need to be inflated to the correct pressures as defined in either your vehicle handbook or often on a sticker inside the driver's door. If your tyres are underinflated, the engine will have to work harder to overcome the additional resistance, which will use more fuel. Drivers also need to remember to adjust their tyre pressures if they are carrying more luggage or passengers than usual, as higher tyre pressures are required to compensate for the additional weight of a fully loaded car.
Drive smoothly
To reduce money on fuel use, always try to accelerate smoothly and avoid revving the engine unnecessarily. Experts recommend keeping the revs for a petrol engine between 1500-2500rpm and for a diesel engine, between 1200 and 2000rpm. Also, drive smoothly and try not to brake suddenly if it can be avoided, as it takes more fuel to get back up to speed again. In the event that you need to brake harshly, try to leave the car in gear and coast to a stop if possible. This will ensure that the fuel cut-off switch is activated, resulting in no fuel being wasted whilst braking.
Reduce Your Speed
Driving at high speed is one of the biggest causes of excess fuel consumption. It was often thought that 56mph was a fuel-efficient driving speed, but on average, vehicles reach their optimum efficiency between 40-50mph. The latest Department for Transport statistics show that driving on a motorway at 80mph will use 25% more fuel than if you drive at 70mph. If you travel at 70mph rather than 60mph, this will result in 9% more fuel being used [1]. So, if you want to keep your fuel costs down, reduce your speed to see the savings.
Drive in the highest possible gear
This is a great tip for reducing fuel consumption and the best way to achieve it is to change up the gears quickly when driving in urban areas, whilst keeping the revs as low as possible. Many of the cars now on the market have an indicator or an eco-driving mode which will inform you when it is the optimum moment to change gears. You can also save fuel by skipping gears, for example, changing from 1st to 3rd and missing 2nd, for an extra boost in fuel consumption.
Reduce drag and keep your boot empty
Don't get dragged down with extra weight by always remembering to remove excess items from your boot and taking off your roof box or rack when it is not in use. If your vehicle is carrying extra weight, it will take longer to get up to speed and use more fuel in the process.
Be cautious with the air conditioning
Using your vehicle's air conditioning also uses up fuel, so it would be wise to use it sparingly. This can also be applied to any added extras on your car, such as a heated rear window, headlights or demisters. Take the time to check your car and see if you can turn off anything unnecessary.
Shop around for the best fuel cost
On average, the larger supermarkets and petrol stations offer the most competitive prices, but it's worth shopping around, just in case your local garage is offering a cheaper price. There are many different websites online where you can check your local prices before setting off. Also, try to avoid waiting until you're on a motorway or major route to fill up as prices are always much higher there.
Avoid Using Premium Fuel
Putting premium fuel in your tank won't do your car any harm, but it comes at an increased price and is not always worth it for a standard vehicle. However, it is worth remembering that normal petrol now contains an increased amount of ethanol, which is not suitable for older or vintage cars. These vehicles will need to go for the premium fuel option.
Go Electric
For the ultimate in fuel saving, think about purchasing an electric car. This is especially cost-effective if you can also install a home charging device as you can charge for a relatively low cost when you are at home. Home chargers do have an initial cost but you will soon earn this back in fuel savings. There are also free chargers available at some supermarkets, but these can be slower than a home charger.
A well-chosen set of new tyres can also increase your fuel efficiency. Our tyre professionals at Protyre can offer you expert advice. We fit many high-quality tyre brands such as Pirelli, Sumitomo and Bridgestone. Please contact Protyre today, either on our website or by phone, to find your local garage. Our qualified fitters will be able to assist you with any vehicle issues, servicing or new tyres.