Recently, you may have realised that petrol prices have increased by quite a noticeable amount. Due to tensions in the Middle East, the price of crude oil has increased and therefore the price of petrol has also increased to try and help slow down inflation and discourage those from using up too much fuel. We have come with some handy tips to make sure that you are driving as efficiently as possible to make sure that you are consuming the least amount of fuel as possible, thus saving money. Here are some driving tips that we would recommend that you take into consideration:
Before Setting Off
Remove any extra baggage
If you have a lot of bags or other items filling your boot, you may want to find an alternative place to store these unnecessary things while you are driving. Extra weight means that you are consuming more petrol and so if you don’t need it, it is best to take it out.
Reduce drag
Roof racks can create a lot of drag which adds to your fuel consumption. Make sure that you are packing all of your things smartly to make sure that you don’t need to be using a roof rack.
De-icing
The winter days are quickly coming about, which means that it will be time to de-ice your windows. It is important to save fuel by scraping the ice off instead of staring the engine and heating up your windows.
When Driving
Smooth driving
This is one of the main and more important method of trying to save on fuel consumption. When driving, you should drive smoothly and gently and make sure that you are aware of you surroundings to make sure that you are not braking too harshly or without needing to. Make sure that you accelerate and decelerate smoothly.
Air con
Using your air conditioning in your car, while driving at slower speeds, can actually increase your fuel consumption, whereas when you are driving at faster speeds, this is less effective. Opening your windows, when you’re driving slower and using your air conditioning less, will help you to save on fuel.
Electrics
Make sure that you turn off any electrics in your vehicle when not using them. This can be things such as your window heaters, fans and headlights.
Stay within the speed limits
Driving at speed actually uses up more fuel. Make sure that you are keeping to the speed limits. Driving at 80mph will cause you to use up around 25% more fuel than driving at 70mph.
How to Calculate Your Fuel Consumption
Most vehicles will have an on board system which shows how many miles per gallon (mpg) that you are using. You can use this to work out how you can improve on your fuel consumption. Follow these steps to easily calculate how to save:
- Write down your overall average that you currently have
- Reset the number on the computer and then record these averages
- Compare your results in intervals of weeks and months and you will be able to see how you are saving each time
If you don’t have an on board system which calculates your average mpg, then try these steps:
- Fill your tank and record your mileage
- Keep track of the mileage and amount of fuel consumed
- Divide the mileage by the amount of litres used and then multiply by 4.546 to get the miles per gallon. i.e if you use 1000 miles with 95 litres of fuel, your average mpg will work out like this; (1000/95)x4.546 = 48mpg
In essence, the higher the number of mpg, the more efficient the car is, in terms of fuel consumption.
Other things that you can do to improve fuel consumption includes, servicing your car regularly to make sure that your vehicle is working to it’s optimal efficiency, using the correct engine oil and checking your tyre pressured regularly. Even just walking or cycling, when making short journeys can make a massive impact. If you are planning to stop for a few minutes part way into your journey, it will be best for you to stay idle with your engine on, as turning the engine off and back on again can actually consume more fuel when your engine is still cool.
Following these steps should help you to cut down on costs as well as saving on your fuel consumption. This not only will save you money, while the fuel prices are higher, but will also help economically with the environment and saving resources for the future.
