Hundreds of drivers across the UK are becoming more and more concerned about fuel costs, with petrol and diesel prices rising for the fourth consecutive month.
Unleaded fuel went up from £1.52 to £1.57 last month, with diesel also up a staggering 8p per litre.
Paul Maynard, Technical Training Manager at ATS Euromaster has provided 6 changes you can make to get more miles per gallon and ensure you aren’t breaking the bank.
1. Plan your route:
Before you hit the road, plan your route carefully. Choose the most direct route and avoid congested areas and rush hour traffic. Using GPS navigation before you set off will help you be aware of traffic and any road closures.
Make sure to also look at the different routes to your destination as if you’re traveling as a family you may require more breaks at service stations.
2. Avoid driving at this time:
The earlier you leave, the less traffic you will be in especially if you’re travelling at a long distance. The best times to travel over this weekend are before 11am and after 7pm. If you have an electric car, take into consideration how long you’ll need to stay at a charging point.
3. Remove excess weight.
Cars use more fuel the heavier they are. Try removing things such as roof racks, footballs, camping chairs, golf clubs etc. Items on the roof cause drag, so, remove all unused items to improve fuel consumption.
4. Change your driving habits.
The way you drive affects your fuel consumption. The more you accelerate, the more fuel you use. Ideally, stay under 3,000 revs, as a rough rule. Always drive in the highest gear possible without labouring the engine and change the gear much earlier than feels natural. Try not to hit the brakes too rapidly, as this leads to more acceleration, thus using more fuel.
5. Correct tyre pressure.
Before setting off on a trip, always make sure the tyres are in good condition. Check your car’s manual for the correct tyre pressure, as underinflated tyres can increase fuel consumption anywhere between 0.6% and 3%*. Maintaining the correct tyre pressure will increase the longevity, as well as saving on fuel consumption – which also saves you money.
6. Use a start-stop button if your car has one.
Keeping your foot on the clutch when stopping can waste fuel. You can save money by keeping your car in neutral or even switching off your engine when at traffic lights or stuck in traffic.
