The price of petrol and diesel can often fluctuate and 2022 saw some of the highest fuel prices for a number of years in the UK. When fuel prices go up or when the cost of living is making it harder to budget for owning a car, it can be worth knowing how to save fuel when driving. Many drivers are often surprised at how many of their daily driving habits are draining their fuel but by making a few simple swaps, you can help to reduce your fuel consumption. So, with this in mind, let’s take a look at the top 10 ways in which you can save fuel when driving.
1. Shop for a fuel-efficient car.
The first mistake that manydrivers make is choosing a car that isn’t suitable for their journeys. If you often drive many miles each day or tend to do a lot of driving on motorways, you could find yourself topping your car up more than you need to. It doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg either as there are many cheap fuel-efficient cars that can get you on your way without the need to constantly put fuel in your vehicle.
2. Ditch the excess weight.
Many drivers are guilty of using their car as a space to store equipment or forget to clear out their car. The more weight you have within your vehicle the more fuel you will use since the car has to work harder. It can be a good idea to clear out your car of any nonessential items to help reduce your fuel consumption.
3. Plan your trip.
Sitting in traffic or having to follow a diversion can increase how much fuel you will use. It can be a good idea to check the roads and traffic information before you set off to help reduce the time spent on the road and use less fuel.
4. Drive smoothly.
The way you drive has a significant impact on how much fuel you are using. Driving erratically, slamming on the brakes, and trying to get to the highest speed in the shortest amount of time can all have a massive effect on your fuel consumption. You should always drive as smoothly as possible, go easy on the accelerator and brake more gently where you can. Driving more sensibly can also help to reduce the risk of a car accident or injury.
5. Keep your car in good condition.
Through the course of ownership, your car will need regular servicing and MOTs to make sure it’s in the best condition. Servicing will help to improve the efficiency of your car and this in turn will help to improve your fuel consumption.
6. Find cheap fuel.
It can be convenient to go to the petrolstation round the corner from your home, but it could be costing you. There are apps and websiteswhich can help you find the cheapest fuel in your area so you can stop paying more than you need to!
7. Combine journeys where you can.
When your engine is cold, it takes a lot more effort for your car to get going. By constantly getting in and out of the car numerous times of day, you are putting more strain on your engine and using more fuel. Where possible, you should try to combine the journeys you need to make into one to help educe how much fuel you’re using.
8. Avoid aircon or heating if you don’t need it.
The weather in the UK is often unpredictable and it can be tempting to blast your aircon in the summer or heating in the winter to help get you more comfortable on the road. However, using your heating controls excessively can massively increase how much fuel you’re using. It can be more economical to open your windows rather than use your air conditioning.
9. Correct tyre pressure
Underinflated or overinflated tyres can have a big effect on your driving. The lower your tyre pressure is, the more fuel the car needs to use. If you’re not sure what your trye pressure should be set to, you can find this information in your owner’s manual or more commonly on the inside of the driver’s side door. You can check and correct your tyre pressure at home with a kit or at a local supermarket garage.
10. Anticipate the road ahead.
When you’re driving you should try to anticipate the road ahead and prepare yourself for what is happening next. If you/re approaching some traffic lights, many driverstry to speed up to get through the lights, but it can drain your cars fuel. It can be much better to instead to brake slowly and drive more slowly. You should try to keep momentum up where you can avoid having to put more pressure on your vehicle.
