How To Be More Fuel Efficient
We are all trying to be savvier with our pennies these days with the insane increases in the cost of living. We have never lived in an age where fuel has been so expensive and with no signs of it coming down in the foreseeable future, now is a great time to reflect on your driving habits, we have some simple tips to help you be more fuel-efficient with five simple steps.
Clear out the extra clutter
There are some items you should always keep in your car, like an emergency kit but removing as little as 100 pounds can reduce your fuel efficiency. Clear out forgotten backpacks, sports equipment and extra books, and you’ll be amazed at how things add up.
Also, don’t forget about the outside of your car. Remove any add-ons that can increase wind resistance and decrease fuel efficiency, such as:
Roof racks
Cargo boxes
Bike racks
Rear-mounted cargo boxes are a better option if you regularly need to haul additional items. At highway speeds, roof-mounted cargo boxes can reduce fuel economy by 6 to 17%, while their rear-mounted counterparts typically have a 1 to 5% impact.
Limit idling
Many late-model vehicles now feature the stop-start system. This allows cars to conserve fuel by automatically shutting down the engine when the car comes to a stop and then automatically restarting when the brake is released.
Surprisingly, idling uses more fuel than restarting your car and gives off 80% more pollution than when your car is in motion. The next time you come to a stop and are waiting for the lights to change or are stuck in heavy traffic, consider turning off your engine to save on fuel.
Keep your speed steady and within the speed limit
Once your vehicle reaches 45-50 mph, it begins to lose fuel efficiency. And the faster you go, the worse it gets. It’s (of course) best to drive the speed limit and use cruise control when possible. Rapid acceleration and hard braking quickly eat up fuel, so avoid those actions whenever possible.
Check your tyre pressure
When your tyres are underinflated, fuel consumption can increase by as much as 3%. Plus, without proper tyre inflation, you risk wearing down your treads more quickly. Check your owner’s manual or the tyre wall for the correct pressure for your tyres.
Regular maintenance
Filthy air filters, spark plugs and connections can all affect your fuel economy. Book an appointment with us to bring your vehicle in for a service and we can look to check and replace (where necessary) air filters, motor oil, tyre rotations and more.
Now that you know five steps to improve your fuel mileage put them to work and reduce your trips to the petrol station. We hope it makes a noticeable difference to your wallet!
OR
How about taking fuel out of the equation altogether? Getting an electric car might be perfect for you, even though it is a larger initial cost layout, it will pay back over time.