Fuel saving tips

Treat your car to some tender, love, care (TLC)

A well-tuned engine can improve fuel economy, so follow your car manufacturer’s recommendation on servicing. High quality motor oils can also help your engine operate more efficiently.

Lighten up

You may be surprised, but every extra pound or kilogramme matters and affects your fuel efficiency. So keep your boot and back seat clear of unnecessary items that just add weight to your vehicle (eg golf clubs).

Are you turned on or off?

Idling gets you nowhere but still burns fuel. Turn the engine off when you are in a queue, or waiting for someone, until you need it. As a rule if you stop over 10 seconds, switch off your engine.

Easy does it

The higher gear you drive in, the lower your engine speed is, which can improve fuel efficiency. So change up a gear whenever you can, without labouring the engine.

Change gear in good time when you pull away or when you are accelerating. Never ‘redline’ the rev counter.

Slippery customer

Designers and aerodynamicists spend ages trying to make a car’s body cut smoothly through the air.

Opening your windows or sunroof, or piling bikes and boxes onto the roof, can heavily impact your fuel economy. Driving faster will also increase the wind resistance you encounter, causing your vehicle to use more fuel.

No drain, no pain

As a rule, anything that puts a drain on the battery will put a drain on your fuel economy — like air conditioning. But worse still is a battery in poor condition, causing the alternator to constantly try and charge the battery.

Timing is everything

Driving in heavy stop-start traffic is going to negatively affect fuel economy.

So if you are a commuter, avoid the rush hours if you can. You will really notice the improvement in fuel consumption. However, this is easier said than done!

Open your eyes

Think ahead when you are driving. For example, slow down early to let traffic lights change, rather than stopping completely, or speed up a little before you reach the foot of a hill. Leave a sensible distance between yourself and the car ahead to give you ample time to brake evenly.

The fuel rule

Not all fuels are the same. Your fuel economy can be improved through using the right fuel, so shop around and ensure that you choose one of high quality.

Get pumped up

Correctly inflated tyres are safer and last longer. A tyre that is under inflated can reduce fuel economy. An under or over inflated tyre is also more susceptible to failing. — Wires.