Cut Your Fuel Cost Tips
With the cost of fuel reaching record highs, we have put together some top tips to get them extra few miles.
Pump up your tyres
Under-inflated tyres can significantly reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy, by up to 5%. Under-inflated tyres can also increase tyre wear by up to 25%.
New tyres
Get the latest generation of low rolling resistance tyres. These can reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption by up to 5%. Budget tyres are often a false economy, they may not last and may offer higher rolling resistance.
Noisy wheels
Worn out wheel bearings, seized brake calipers and shoes can be like driving with the brakes on. Increased friction can contribute significantly to a vehicle’s fuel consumption, so if you’re hearing strange noises coming from your wheels get them checked.
Check air conditioning
A half-gassed air conditioning system could raise fuel consumption by an additional 5%. Switching off the air con and opening the window can be a false economy, especially at higher speeds, as fuel consumption can increase by 10% to 20% as a result of the increased drag.
Oil
Clean oil reduces the wear caused by friction of moving engine parts, helping to reduce fuel consumption. You should change the oil in your vehicle to the manufacturers recommended service intervals.
Regular servicing
Failure to keep the car routinely serviced can add up to 15% to fuel costs. A clogged air filter alone can increase fuel usage by up to 10%
Lose weight
Every extra 50kg can increase your vehicle’s petrol consumption by an extra 2%. Keep your golf clubs and other items littering your boot at home.
Streamline your car
Roof racks and bicycle carriers create extra wind resistance increasing fuel consumption by up to 10-20%.
Keep to the speed limit
Drive at 90mph on a motorway and spend £1.20 more on fuel every eight minutes compared to someone driving at 70mph. And it’s illegal!
Use the right gear
Higher engine revs result in higher fuel consumption. A car cruising at 40mph can use up to 20% more fuel in fourth gear compared to sixth.
Drive smoothly
Hard acceleration causes higher fuel consumption, slow gradually and avoid high revs.
Avoid rough surfaces
Gravel and heavy dirt surfaces can increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption by up to 30%. Where possible choose a route with smooth road surfaces, even if it is slightly longer.
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