With the cost of living crisis driving prices up across the board, one place you can save money is on petrol and diesel. In the UK, transportation costs, which include petrol and diesel, account for approximately 13% of the average household budget [1].
While can’t change the cost of fuel prices we see on the forecourt – we can optimise how we use it! Here are 6 Tips to Lower Your Fuel Costs and Boost Driving Efficiency.
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Lighten Your Vehicle’s Load
A heavier vehicle will use more fuel to move. Studies show that roof racks, for example, can significantly reduce fuel efficiency [2]. Regularly decluttering your car to remove unnecessary items can make a big difference. So even small changes, like clearing out rubbish or removing a roof rack you don’t use, could make your journeys cheaper.
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Use Smooth Driving Techniques
Sudden acceleration and braking can increase the amount of fuel you use. By reducing your braking and accelerating you can save up to 15% of your fuel on average. [3]
Smooth driving techniques include accelerating gradually and using the highest gear suitable for the situation. Here are some other easy ways to drive smoothly:
- Anticipating Traffic Flow: Think ahead and anticipate changes in traffic speed to avoid unnecessary stops and starts. For example, if you see brake lights and a line of cars turning left ahead, you should stay in the middle lane to avoid delays and keep moving steadily. By avoiding the left lane, you maintain a smoother, more consistent speed.
- Safely Take Advantage of Coasting: When approaching a stop or a downhill route, take your foot off the accelerator and let the gravity take charge. This uses less fuel than maintaining speed until the last moment. Keep an eye on your speed and make sure you don’t accidentally break the speed limit whilst doing this.
- Minimising ‘Idling’: Idling is when a car’s engine is running but the vehicle isn’t moving. If you’re going to be stationary for more than a minute, turn your engine off. Idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle, so reducing this as much as possible can save your fuel.
If your car is equipped with a stop/start system, make sure it’s activated. This feature automatically turns off the engine when the vehicle is stationary and in neutral.
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Maintain Your Vehicle Regularly
A well-maintained car runs more efficiently and can save you money on fuel. Regular servicing, tyre checks, and addressing dashboard warning lights are crucial. Here are a few ways you can improve fuel efficiency with maintenance:
- Properly inflated tyres reduce road friction and improve fuel efficiency.
- Clean oil reduces engine friction
- Clean air filters help the engine breathe better.
- Well-tuned engines burn fuel more efficiently.
- Good brakes prevent unnecessary drag.
For more detailed maintenance tips, check out our blog How to Look After Your Car.
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Minimise Use of Air Conditioning
Air conditioning (A/C) uses your fuel up quicker as it draws power from the engine. Use it sparingly and you can increase your fuel efficiency. Here are some air conditioning tips:
- Consider what you’re wearing to control temperature – e.g. wear additional layers during colder months.
- Use the normal fan system without the A/C when it’s not too hot.
- Open windows at low speeds for fresh air.
- Park in the shade to keep your car cool in summer.
- Learn how to use the A/C correctly with our blog, to use it properly and effectively.
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Plan Your Routes Efficiently
Strategic route planning can help avoid traffic and reduce travel time, using less fuel. Use navigation apps on your phone or satnav to find the most efficient routes.
Here’s how to effectively plan your route using apps or satnavs:
- Use live traffic updates to avoid congestion and delays.
- Choose the most fuel-efficient route, not just the fastest.
- Look for multiple route options and pick the one with fewer stops or steep roads.
- Update maps regularly to get the latest road changes and features.
By using these 6 tips, you can optimise your fuel consumption and hopefully save money! For more driving tips and insights, visit out blog.
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