Lucy Sherliker, Head of Customer at B-Corp accredited Zuto car finance, shares tips on how to be a more fuel-efficient car owner
- Service your car frequently
Lucy says: “Keeping up to date with regular car services- one for every 10,000 kilometers or 12 months- will help to ensure the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. Even minor issues can impact the vehicle’s fuel-efficiency, so it’s important to check and restore any issues as they occur.
- Avoid staying in idle
“Avoid keeping your car in idle for longer than 30 seconds when you are stationary and it’s safe to turn the engine off, for instance, at school drop-offs. Keeping your car in idle burns fuel unnecessarily and contributes to the general wear and tear of the vehicle. Certain cars, including hybrid models, will automatically turn off if they stop longer than 10 seconds, as it’s more fuel efficient.
- Drive as smooth as possible
“Smooth driving is the number one tip for improved fuel-efficiency. This means avoiding any sudden or rapid acceleration and braking wherever possible. General speed is also important. The more pressure you apply to the pedals, the more fuel you’re using. Driving at a steady pace will help improve your overall MGP.
- Remove any unnecessary items out of your car
“Lightening the load of your vehicle is another effective way to increase your MPG. By keeping your car full of unneeded items, or always having a roof rack attached, your car engine is forced to work harder, resulting in fuel being burnt at a quicker rate.
- Keep the heating and air conditioning to a minimum
“Try to avoid unnecessary use of the air conditioning and heating system when driving, opting for an extra layer where appropriate. Air conditioning puts an added strain on the engine which can easily be avoided. However, if you’re driving at faster speeds and need to reduce car temperature, keep the windows closed and turn the air con on, helping to reduce drag of the vehicle.
- Check your tyres
“Having the right tyre pressure is key for road safety, but also plays a role when it comes to fuel-efficiency. The lower your tyre pressure, the more fuel your car requires to keep them turning. So if your tyres are feeling slightly deflated, make sure to give them a quick pump next time you use your car.”
If you are looking to use car finance to buy a more fuel-efficient model, please visit: https://www.zuto.com/
