Insurance experts, A-Plan Insurance, has revealed top tips to help improve your car’s fuel efficiency and save money.
1. Watch your speed
Despite the ‘56mph myth’ that many drivers adhere to, the RAC says the most efficient driving speed for fuel consumption is between 45 and 50mph.
According to the Department for Transport, driving at 70mph uses up to nine per cent more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15 per cent more than at 50mph, whereas driving at 80mph can use up to 25 per cent more than at 70mph.
Use your cruise control for motorway driving. This can save you up to six per cent in fuel consumption on the highway.
2. Accelerate and brake gently
Developing a smooth driving technique such as easing off the accelerator is a great way to save on fuel. If you’re approaching traffic lights, slow down early so that they may have changed by the time you reach them. Anticipate the road in front of you to maintain momentum rather than braking hard and then accelerating again.
3. Remove weight and reduce drag
The drag from carrying extra weight reduces your car’s fuel efficiency, so remove any unnecessary items from the boot, and remove your bike rack or roof rack when you don’t need it. A heavier car needs more fuel to keep it moving.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, an empty roof rack adds 16 per cent drag when driving at 75mph. At the same speed, a roof box adds 39 per cent, making your vehicle much less fuel efficient.
4. Use aircon less often
Dress for the weather even when you are inside your car as switching on your aircon or heater uses engine power and therefore increases fuel consumption. According to the AA, using your car AC can increase fuel consumption by around 10 per cent.
5. Check and maintain your tyres
Check your tyre pressure at least once a month. An underinflated set of tyres can significantly harm your mpg while making your car quite dangerous to drive. If tyres are 8 pounds underinflated (not an uncommon condition), the rolling resistance of the tyres increases by five per cent.
6. Avoid short trips
Plan in advance to combine journeys rather than make several short trips when you’re trying to save costs. Use Google maps to check and plan your route ahead to avoid hills and rough roads that could also drain your tank faster.
And if you are taking short trips, it’s even more important to switch off that aircon as it will use most of its energy for the initial cool-down.
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