Tips For Economical Driving
Watching the pennies is something many of us have started doing more of over the last 18 months. Pandemic, furloughs, increase in bills here and there, fuel prices…. It’s all got a bit much, right?
So here are some tips on how you could help save with your vehicle by driving in a more economically friendly manner…
Before Hitting the Road
- Keep tyres properly inflated.
Properly inflated tyres are safer, will last longer, and can improve your fuel mileage by more than 3 percent.
- Use the recommended grade of motor oil.
Improve your fuel mileage by 1-2 percent by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil. Choose motor oil with “Energy Conserving” on the API performance symbol as they contain friction-reducing additives.
- Check and replace air filters regularly.
Replacing or cleaning a clogged or dirty air filter can improve your car’s fuel mileage by as much as 10 percent and keeps impurities from damaging the inside of your engine.
- Plan ahead for the shortest, most fuel-saving itinerary.
With a little planning, you can not only save fuel but wear and tear on your car as well. Avoid retracing your route to reduce the distance you travel. Combining errands into one trip saves you time and money. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer, multi-stop trip of the same distance with a warm engine.
Once You’re Behind the Wheel
- Don’t speed!
Fuel mileage declines rapidly above 60 mph. Each 5 mph increase above 60 is like paying an additional 10p a gallon for petrol or diesel.
- Be patient.
Have you seen those people at the traffic lights who are intent on zipping off the second the lights turn from red to green, revving while they wait as they are so desperate to get to their destination? That’s cost them more money than you accelerating at a slower, more sensible pace.
- Avoid excessive idling.
It gets you nowhere, quite literally! Cars with larger engines usually waste more fuel while idling than those with smaller engines.
- Take advantage of cruise control.
Using cruise control on motorways and dual carriageways helps to maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, save on fuel.
Think Before You Commute
Since the pandemic, our working behaviours have changed. But if you’re headed back out to your place of work, see if you are able to consider any of these options, all of which are better for the environment as well as your wallet –
- Stagger your work hours
Avoiding peak rush hours means you’ll spend less time sitting in traffic, consume less fuel, and avoid additional stress.
- Carpooling/sharing. This was an initiative that was really talked about and encouraged ten or so years ago and is hardly ever mentioned these days (pandemic aside). Sharing your commute with others cuts weekly fuel costs for you both and reduces wear on cars.
- Consider public transport. Weigh out the options – what will overall cost less; fuel and parking costs or a train/bus ticket?
- The WFH option – the one so many of us have played a part in doing. If allowed, spend fewer days in the office and work from home – no fuel used at all, yay!
Taking a Trip
- Avoid carrying items on your vehicle’s roof.
A loaded roof rack or box increases aerodynamic drag, which can cut mileage by 5 percent. If you can, put as much as possible in the boot to improve your fuel economy.
- Travel light.
More weight in the car = more fuel usage. Check the boot for items that don’t need to come along for the ride; an extra 100 pounds in the car cuts a typical car’s fuel economy 1-2 percent.
- Renting a car while away
Ask for a model that gets better fuel economy. Also, remember to fill up the tank before returning the car to the rental company, as some can charge higher fuel prices – and perhaps even an extra fuel surcharge.
Buying a new car
- When buying a new vehicle, think high fuel mileage.
Check out this article from Auto Express on the most economical cars – www.autoexpress.co.uk/best-cars/62048/most-economical-cars#:~:text=The%20most%20fuel%20efficient%20internal,deliver%20a%2058.9mpg%20maximum
- How about electric?
Okay, the initial layout might be more than you’d desire, but in the long term, it’s way more efficient and better for the climate.
And finally…
Get your exercise! Whenever possible, walk to your destination. You’ll lose weight, lower stress, save fuel, and reduce pollution – wins!