Soaring fuel costs is the single biggest worry for most UK motorists. By making small changes to your driving habits you can make a huge difference in your pocket.
How can I save on fuel?
Here are 15 ways to reduce your fuel bill.
- Regular Servicing – make sure the plugs, engine oil and oil filters are regularly maintained. A dirty air filter restricts the flow of air into the engine, which decreases performance and economy.
- Keep your tyres inflated – lower tyre pressure increases the drag on the car which means more fuel is used. Check tyre pressure regularly.
- De-clutter the car – the heavier the car, the more fuel required to keep it moving. By removing things like unused roof racks and emptying the boot will increase the car efficiency.
- Don’t fill it up – fuel adds weight which in return uses up more fuel. Fill up more often and keep it half full for more efficiency saving.
- Avoid braking and stopping, which are the 2 biggest fuel wasters. Instead anticipate the road ahead and drift the last few hundred yards to a junction, using up the stored fuel.
- Be gentle on the accelerator pedal. Speed up slowly, this way you will get the speed but with much less fuel. Revving the car uses so much unnecessary fuel.
- Use correct gears. As a rule drive in the highest gear without labouring the engine.
- Open windows instead of using the air conditioning, although the drag created by open windows will also use up extra fuel.
- Avoid using things that drain the battery – eg rear window heater, air conditioning and heaters.
- Avoid idling the car for long periods of time, switch off the engine.
- Try to maintain a constant speed. Speeding and slowing down uses up more fuel.
- Find the cheapest petrol or diesel by shopping around and take advantage of supermarket fuel deals.
- Walk, use public transport or car share if possible.
- Avoid travelling at peak times, thus avoiding the stop start scenario
- Convert your engine to run on liquid petroleum gas (LPG). It costs less than unleaded and diesel.
