How to Reduce Fuel Consumption and Boost Your Wallet

Economical Driving

With the cost of fuel increasing by in the last 12 months, the majority of the population are feeling the need to cut back on our vehicle’s fuel consumption. As well as reduce the number of times we need to fill up the tank in a set period of time (up to 15% reduced fuel consumption), economical driving can also help the environment, your vehicle’s engine as well as your finances.

When driving fast, close window and sunroofs since these produce air resistance and can slow your vehicle down. Use air conditioning if it’s too hot. When it town and driving slower, try to avoid using the air conditioning and open windows and sunroofs
If you are carrying around anything heavy in your car that you don’t need, take it out! This includes roof-racks which only cause wind-resistance. You are carrying excess weight that will only add to your fuel consumption
Driving at the speed limits stated and try not to break or accelerate too harshly. Driving at 50mph is said to be the most economical, anything above this speed uses more fuel and causes even more pollution
If using a manual vehicle, switch up gears and use the highest gear for the speed since this will avoid labouring your engine
Maintain your speed and anticipate the road conditions around you especially on the motorway – use the rear-view mirror regularly! If you know you have to overtake, think ahead to prevent you from slamming on the brakes or having to perform violent gear changes to pick up speed and pull out. Be prepared to gradually and smoothly accelerate if you see an uphill section ahead of you, or be ready to switch back gears if you know your car will not be able to maintain the speed. Do not torture your engine! In cars fitted with them, you can use cruise control if you find it difficult to maintain a constant speed on the motorway
Be sure to check your tyres regularly and especially before long journeys. Make sure the pressure is at the right level for normal loads and increased to the correct amount when carrying heavier loads. Tyres below the correct pressure will cause greater resistance
Avoid idling the engine. If you are having to wait for a long time, switch the engine off
When approaching a tight bend, slow down before you arrive in the bend (switch back a gear or two if in a manual) and once halfway into it, smoothly accelerate. This prevents sudden breaking and then ‘flooring it’ once exiting the bend
Only use your vehicle when absolutely necessary. If only going a mile or so, walk. It will keep you fit as well as help your pocket! Don’t make many small trips, but try and combine chores to minimise the amount of fuel you use – a warm engine is more economical
Car share and split the cost

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Economical Driving