Drivers are told that harsh acceleration and braking could contribute to poor fuel efficiency. Experts share ways to help cash-strapped Brits minimise fuel waste on the road and save money.
As prices rise, adopting more cautious driving habits and reducing unnecessary energy output can lead to significant savings.
Shopping around for the best fuel prices and planning for fuel top-ups can significantly cut costs.
Motorists should plan journeys and include well-priced petrol stations to prevent unnecessary fuel detours.
Drivers are also advised to conserve fuel and prevent unnecessary consumption by avoiding excessive engine revs and sudden acceleration.
Other tips, like closing windows to reduce drag on a vehicle and minimising air conditioning use, can prevent cars from overworking and using fuel unnecessarily.
These tips can also benefit electric vehicles (EVs). By minimising energy consumption, EV drivers can extend their driving range and reduce the need for frequent charging, ultimately saving money.
John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco.com, said, “Fuel costs are continuously rising, but there are a few ways to combat this, which can help your monthly budget.
“Some everyday bad habits that cause drivers to waste more fuel than they realise include unnecessary engine revs, harsh acceleration, and idling in traffic with the engine running.
“If you have an older car, you’ll want to avoid frequently restarting your engine in brief stops. Those with new models, however, should consider making the most of their stop-start systems to help reduce fuel consumption.
“By thinking ahead and driving smoothly, you can make significant savings on fuel by reducing your vehicle’s consumption.”
10 Fuel-Saving Tips:
1. Shop Around
Checking out where near you have the cheapest fuel, you can use sources such as PetrolPrices.com to help you work this out.
2. Accelerate and Brake Smoothly
Driving smoothly, with gentle acceleration and braking, will help reduce fuel consumption by minimising sudden spikes in fuel usage.
3. Reduce Engine Revs
Revving your engine increases fuel consumption. By reducing revs, you can make your fuel usage more efficient.
4. Use Cruise Control
Using cruise control or driving at a steady, consistent pace, particularly on motorways, will help reduce fuel consumption.
5. Remove Unnecessary Weight
The heavier your car, the more energy it requires to move. Reducing unnecessary weight will decrease fuel consumption and improve efficiency.
6. Top Up Tyre Pressures
Make sure your tyre pressure is topped up; this will reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance, which can increase fuel consumption.
7. Combine Trips and Plan Ahead
Plan your trip to find the quickest routes and avoid traffic, especially on unfamiliar journeys. This can help you save time and reduce fuel consumption. If possible, combine trips and car share if you take the same route.
8. Cut Down on Air Conditioning
Anything that requires energy from your vehicle, such as air conditioning, will consume fuel. It’s best to minimise air conditioning when possible to reduce fuel costs.
9. Close Windows
Driving with open windows can increase drag on your vehicle, requiring more acceleration to reach speed. Keeping the windows closed, particularly on fast roads, will help reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.
10. Turn Engine Off
When stopped for a few minutes, turn off your engine. In newer cars, utilise the start/stop function. Reducing idling can help lower fuel consumption and costs.