Autowirez Blog

With the ever increasing fuel prices in the UK, fuel economy is more important than ever. The following tips will help you to get the maximum efficiency from your vehicle by changing your driving style and getting out of bad habits. We also show you how to find the lowest possible prices on petrol, diesel and LPG fuel in your area.

Before starting your journey

1. Weight reduction

Before setting out on your journey, make sure that you only carry essential items and not a boot full of old tat. By lowering the weight of your vehicle, you can increase fuel economy by up to 5%. Now 5% may not sound alot but over the course of a year, this can add up to a significant saving.

2. Warm engine whilst driving
As engines burn the most fuel as they heat up to operating temperature, you should drive your car during this time whilst keeping engine speed at low rpm until it reaches optimum operating temperature. On warm-up, engines are at their most vulnerable to wear as the engine oil pressure is low and not flowing as well throughout the engine as it does when warm. By keeping the RPM low, you are reducing this stress on the engine.

3. Choose journey times wisely
Although this is sometimes not feasible, choosing your journey time to travel when the roads are quiet can significantly reduce your fuel costs. By travelling when the roads are quiet you are less likely to be held in traffic, burning away your precious fuel.

4. Turn off unused electrical items
By leaving electrical items on that you are not using puts strain on your battery. The more electrical items switched on, the more resistance in the alternator meaning the engine has to work harder to keep the engine turning thus burning more fuel. Turn off your rear-demister on those hot summer days or the air conditioning in cold winter months.

Fuel efficient driving

1. Reduce acceleration
Accelerating hard can double fuel consumption so this is an area where you can really save fuel costs by backing off the throttle. When pulling away from a stop, allow more time for the car to accelerate as you give the engine less throttle. Brake softly when approaching roundabouts and try to anticipate stops. This not only reduces fuel consumption but wear on your brakes and tyres too.

2. Softer braking
Use the engine to slow the vehicle down early followed by a light, smooth application of the brakes if needed. As with acceleration, this will also reduce wear on brakes and tyres.

3. Choose the best route
Fuel efficiency is at its best when a constant speed is maintained. By choosing the route with less stops you can significantly reduce fuel consumption.

4. Watch your engine speed
As most cars now have a tachometer (rev counter) fitted as standard, there is no excuse not to maintain engine speed between 2000 - 3000 RPM where most engines will offer better fuel economy. Once the engine reaches 3000 RPM, change up a gear or as it drops to 2000 RPM, change down a gear.

5. Aerodynamics
By keeping your car clean and waxed your car will be more aerodynamic and offer less drag. Although very minimal, it is certainly another step in the right direction. Also, having the windows down will increase drag, close them and use the ventilation from the dashboard vents. The air may be cleaner if your vehicle is fitted with the cabin pollen/dust air filters which many cars are fitted with today. Having windows right down will cause the air to flow into the car and get trapped rather than flowing over your vehicle.

Maintenance

1. Servicing
By keeping your car well serviced, you can significantly increase fuel economy as the vehicle will run more efficient. Keep an eye on air filter colour from dirt, oil condition, ignition lead cuts or breaks and spark plug condition.

2. Maintain tyre pressures
Under-inflated tyres cause considerable drag meaning the engine will have to work harder resulting in an increase in fuel consumption. Over inflated tyres have less contact area with the road and will offer poor traction. Maintaining the correct tyre pressures ensure the tyres are at their most efficient. Both laden and unladen tyre pressures can normally be found on the drivers door jam or underside of the fuel cap. It is recommended to check the tyre pressure of each tyre (including the spare) once a week.

Summary

By following the above tips, you really can save a great deal of cash especially by changing your driving style. Although for some this may be difficult, it is certainly worth considering given the continuous rise in fuel costs in the UK these days.

For details of the lowest prices on petrol/diesel/LPG in your area, see petrolprices.com

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