Ten Fuel Saving Trips All Drivers Should Know
Fuel can be expensive and is a big part of the budget for many car owners. But are you spending more than you need to on fuel and getting through more of it than you should be? Here are ten ways to keep your fuel consumption down and make sure that you get a decent number of miles to the gallon:
Make Fewer, Longer Trips
If you possibly can do, try to combine all your errands into fewer, longer trips rather than lots of small, short ones. When you drive your car from a cold engine it will use more fuel after it is started until it comes up to temperature. Where possible, combine trips and do several things at once to avoid driving from cold as much as you can.
Accelerate Smoothly to Optimum Speed
Your driving style can also make a big difference to the amount of fuel you use. Rather than doing lots of stopping and starting (for example, over-taking impatiently just to screech to a halt at the next traffic lights) you should try wherever possible to maintain a constant speed, ideally around the optimum speed for your vehicle, which is often around 50 mph.
No Need To Rush
Do not be tempted to break the speed limit on the motorway – you will not only put yourself and other road users in danger by rushing at high speeds, you will also cost yourself a lot more on your fuel bill. Consistently doing 80 mph rather than the legal limit of 70 mph will cost you more than you might imagine.
Try to Avoid Rush Hour Traffic
Constant stopping and starting means that driving in bad traffic means a higher fuel consumption that can really add up. If your work schedule allows it, try whenever possible to avoid potential snarl ups. Sometimes, taking a diversion that increases your distance but avoids a potential trouble spot could actually be a good move in terms of fuel economy.
Close Your Windows
Keeping your windows and sun-roof closed can save you cash on fuel by allowing your car to be as aerodynamic as possible. Open windows on a longer journey could make rather a difference to the cost of the fuel you will need, so unless you are sweltering, keep them closed whenever possible.
Turn Off Air Conditioning
The car's AC can also cost you when it comes to fuel economy so when you do not really need it, make sure that it is turned off.
Check Your Tyre Pressures
Driving with your tyres at the wrong pressure is not only a bad idea from the point of view of safety, it is also a bad idea if you want to minimize fuel usage. The lower the tyre pressure, the more energy is needed to propel the car down the road and therefore the more fuel you will use. Remove Roof Racks and Bike Racks
These items create drag and so obviously, if you plan not to use these items for a while, do not keep them attached to your vehicle.
Remove Unneeded, Heavy Items
Likewise, remove any heavy items from the boot of your car. We are all sometimes guilty of leaving our sporting equipment or perhaps a lot of glass bottles for recycling in the boot for a while but anything you are carrying but not using is simply adding to your fuel bill.
Keeping track of the above can help you keep your fuel bills down.
Withnell Car Sales