10 Tips for Improving Fuel Consumption
With the recent rises in the cost of living, keeping fuel costs down is more important than ever. Fortunately, by adopting some simple smart driving habits and making a few small changes to how you maintain your car, you could save money and reduce your environmental impact at the same time.
Small adjustments to your driving style and vehicle maintenance can have a significant impact. Here are some easy and effective tips for improving your car’s fuel consumption right away.
1. Keep Your Car’s Tyres Properly Inflated
Underinflated tyres create more resistance, making your car work harder during every journey. Check your tyre pressure regularly and ensure it matches the manufacturer’s recommendations.
2. Drive as Smoothly as Possible
Aggressive driving, such as sudden acceleration or harsh braking, consumes more fuel. If you want to reduce your fuel consumption, maintain a steady speed and anticipate traffic to minimise stops and starts as much as possible. Almost all new cars come with cruise control and using this feature on motorways won’t just make your drive more laidback - it can also help you stay consistent and save petrol.
3. Lighten the Load
Carrying unnecessary weight increases fuel consumption. Remove heavy items from your boot and avoid roof racks unless absolutely needed. Aerodynamic drag from racks or roof boxes can increase fuel use by as much as 10%, which can make a big difference over time.
4. Stick to the Speed Limit
Driving faster than necessary significantly reduces your vehicle’s efficiency. Most cars operate at their most fuel-efficient around 50-60 mph. On the motorway, sticking to the speed limit can save fuel and reduce wear and tear on your engine.
5. Keep Your Car Serviced
Regular maintenance and car servicing is key to efficient fuel use. A well-tuned engine runs more smoothly and uses less fuel. Replace air filters, use the right grade of motor oil, and ensure spark plugs are in good condition.
6. Avoid Idling
Leaving your engine running while parked wastes fuel unnecessarily. Modern engines use less fuel to restart than they do to idle, so it’s best to turn off your engine if you expect to be stopped for more than a minute or two.
7. Plan Your Journeys
Short trips with a cold engine use more fuel. For this reason, you can combine errands into one trip whenever possible to save time and petrol. Apps that provide real-time traffic updates can also help you avoid congestion and reduce stop-and-go driving.
8. Use Air Conditioning Sparingly
Air conditioning puts extra strain on your engine, increasing fuel consumption. Use it only when necessary and opt for open windows at lower speeds. On the motorway, however, keeping windows closed reduces drag and improves efficiency.
9. Choose Fuel-Efficient Routes
Not all routes are created equal. Motorways often offer the best fuel efficiency, as you’re driving at a steady speed, and apps such as Waze can recommend the most efficient route. Avoid hilly, congested areas when possible, as these conditions demand more from your engine.
10. Upgrade to a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle
If you’re considering a new car, look for one with a high MPG rating or a hybrid/electric option. While this requires an upfront investment, the long-term savings on fuel and reduced emissions can make it worthwhile.