10 driving tips to save fuel

Fuel prices have always been a hot topic amongst motorists. If you’re wondering how to save petrol, you’ll need to pay more attention to how you use your vehicle. You may also have to consider how well you look after it.
Here are ten fuel-saving tips to keep in mind…

Carry out regular vehicle maintenance

Like most things, our cars serve us better when we take good care of them. Regular maintenance checks can help to maximise fuel efficiency and keep you safe on the road. A professional mechanic will be able to carry out filter swaps and oil changes. They'll also keep an eye out for any budding engine issues. 
Keeping your car in good nick helps to reduce fuel consumption. Not only that, it also prolongs its lifespan too - which is great news for your finances.

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Maintain the correct tyre pressures

Keeping your vehicle in good condition includes checking your tyre pressures regularly. This helps to keep fuel consumption down. Underinflated tyres are a safety hazard. They also increase rolling resistance which your vehicle will need to work harder to overcome.

Check your tyre pressures against your manufacturer’s recommendations using a gauge. Even a tyre that’s missing 25% of its air can look like it’s fully inflated. Over-inflating your tyres won’t improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency either. 

Stop carrying unnecessary weight

The more weight you ferry around with you, the more fuel your car will need to get up to speed. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to have a clear out and remove any unnecessary weight. If you drive around with a boot full of clutter, empty it out and leave only the essentials behind.

Take any removeable roof bars off when they’re not in use, as they’ll create more drag and increase fuel consumption. A full tank of fuel is heavy. So, you could even try driving with less fuel in the car and topping up to half a tank more regularly.

Use cruise control at the right time

Wondering how to save fuel while driving? Switch on cruise control when you’re driving on flat roads to maintain a constant steady speed. Using cruise control for motorway journeys helps to make your trip as fuel-efficient as possible. This is because motorway driving reduces the need for unwarranted acceleration.

Avoid using cruise control if you’re driving in a hilly area, as that will have the opposite effect.

Stop idling

A car that’s switched on is using fuel, regardless of whether it’s moving or not. If you’re stopping for a drop off or queuing in traffic, apply your handbrake and turn the engine off. This will help to stop you wasting fuel and improve your miles per gallon (MPG).

Many modern vehicles have start stop technology which will turn the ignition off for you in certain circumstances. For example, if your handbrake is on and you’re not in gear. That said, if you’re defrosting your windows before setting off, the engine will need to stay on.

Drive smoothly

Vehicles typically use most fuel when they’re accelerating. That's because increasing speed burns more energy than maintaining a constant pace. Hard braking, speeding, and other aggressive driving behaviours can significantly decrease your fuel efficiency.

Avoiding hard acceleration and braking is easier if your route evades congestion, junctions, and traffic lights wherever possible. Your hazard perception skills can help too. The sooner you spot an upcoming obstacle, the earlier you'll slow down. This gives you the ability to pass the obstruction safely and accelerate smoothly afterwards.

If you’re looking to improve the way you drive, try:

  • Smooth acceleration
  • Gradual braking
  • Maintaining a consistent speed
  • Anticipating traffic flow, junctions, and roundabouts

Adopting a calmer, smoother driving style can help to improve your experience at the wheel. Not only that, it'll save you money at the pumps.

Use air conditioning sparingly

Did you know that using air conditioning can increase fuel consumption considerably? If you need some fresh air, open your windows instead of reaching for the temperature controls. If you do need to use your air con, make use of the ‘re-circulate’ button to help save energy.

Using air conditioning is only economical when you’re travelling at high speeds. Opening windows increases drag in these circumstances.

If you don’t use your air con often, remember to turn it on occasionally to make sure it’s still working.

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Use efficient routes

Plan your trips ahead of time to minimise unnecessary mileage and reduce fuel consumption. Way-finding apps could come in useful when searching for fuel-efficient routes that avoid traffic and roadworks.

Slow city streets and winding country roads won’t help your MPG, but motorways can. They’re your best shot at maintaining a constant speed in the highest gear with less need for harsh braking. That’s the reason sat navs will often suggest motorways first, even if they’re not as direct. A warm engine that keeps moving at a steady speed is much more efficient than a cold engine that has to stop and start.

Shift up your gears

Driving in lower gears increases revs, which in turn consumes more fuel. Aim to shift up your gears as quickly as possible. You should also use the correct gear for your speed, as doing so helps to keep your RPM down. Shift up before the revs get too high and without making the engine struggle.

Go easy on the accelerator when you’re driving in a high gear. Putting your foot down regularly will guzzle fuel.

When slowing down, avoid immediate braking. Instead, let the car decelerate naturally as this uses less fuel. Making smooth, steady gear changes and using hazard perception skills to anticipate conditions will help to boost efficiency.

Check fuel prices in your local area

We all know that fuel prices aren’t fixed. Some petrol stations are more expensive than others and prices can vary significantly - even if they’re only a short distance apart.

The priciest petrol may typically be found at motorway service stations. You might find supermarkets cheaper and they often offer loyalty rewards for regular customers. With that in mind, always shop around for the best price. If you’re on the motorway, try visiting a local town for petrol rather than taking the slip road to the services.  

Car insurance through Swinton

If your car insurance is due in spring, tick it off your To Do list with a policy through Swinton Insurance. 

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