How to Save Fuel When Driving

Fuel can be a big expense. At a time when most people are looking to save money wherever possible, how you drive can be one way you might be able to spend a little less. Not only will saving fuel save you money, but it will also be better for the environment, with fewer emissions being produced.

If you’re looking to improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, read our expert tips below.

Service and maintain your vehicle

One way to improve your fuel efficiency is to keep your vehicle maintained with regular servicing. This will make sure your car is running as efficiently as possible.

You should also keep an eye on your tyres and ensure they’re properly inflated. The lower the tyre pressure, the more power and fuel is needed to move the car. Overinflated tyres can also make your car less efficient.

Your optimum tyre pressure will vary depending on your vehicle – you can find your car’s tyre pressure in your car manual, or sometimes on the inside of the driver’s door. You can also find it online by searching the make, model and year of your car.

Ease the pedals

Driving erratically will use more fuel. You’ll want to aim to go easy on the accelerator, especially when pulling away at lights or from parking. You’ll want to maintain a steady speed, while sticking to the speed limit – where possible, aim to keep your car speed between 45mph and 50mph.

Drive in the highest gear possible

You should aim to drive in the highest gear possible while driving within the speed limit. When driving, try to switch up to the higher gears quickly whilst keeping your revs low, as this will use the least amount of fuel.

Maintain momentum

Maintaining momentum is one of the best ways to save fuel when driving. Obviously, there may be situations where you need to brake and come to a stop but looking ahead at what’s coming can help you to drive accordingly to maintain momentum.

For example, if you can see the traffic lights ahead are red, you could ease off the accelerator a bit, so you slow down. This might help you to avoid stopping altogether and instead you can gently accelerate again when the lights go green.

When you approach a hill, you should ease on the accelerator a little and then take it off a little as you go up. You should have enough momentum to avoid having to accelerate a lot to get up.

Keep your vehicle streamlined

If you sue a roof rack or roof box, you should remove them when they’re not being used. When left on, they’ll increase the drag effect, especially when you’re driving fast, which will mean you’ll need to use more fuel.

You should also avoid driving with your windows open when possible, as this will also have a drag effect and make your car less fuel efficient.

Reduce heating and AC use where possible

Using your heaters and the AC will both use fuel. Try to dress appropriately for the temperature so you can save using the heaters for extreme temperatures.

Whether it’s best to open your windows or use the AC in warm weather will depend on many different factors, including the car you drive and how fast you’re driving. Generally, it can be better to use the air con if you’re driving above 45mph and open the windows if you’re driving slower.

Combine journeys

A warm engine is a more efficient engine, so you can save fuel by combining your journeys instead of making multiple small trips out. Try to plan your day so you can run your errands all in one go, to avoid your engine cooling down too much in between trips.

Clear out your vehicle

The heavier your car is, the more fuel it will need to move around. Taking unnecessary things out of your car might only make a small difference, but it can still help save you fuel if you’re serious about fuel efficiency.

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