How to optimise your fuel consumption

During these testing time of fuel price increases, could we do more to optimise our fuel consumption and save fuel? Here are a few ideas from your friends at Underwoods Motoring.​

Change how you drive

The biggest impact you can make on fuel consumption is by changing your driving behaviour.

By accelerating and braking smoothly you can considerably reduce your fuel usage. Aggressive high revving acceleration burns far more fuel than a steady increase in speed. Likewise, if you brake suddenly, it just means you keep revs higher for longer than by removing power and slowly decreasing your speed. So always look ahead to make better predictions for your driving.

Keep a steady speed by using the cruise control function when on longer stretches of road such as motorways. Adaptative cruise control, available on many modern cars, keeps your speed and revs maintained and steady.

Avoid speeding, as the higher the speed, the greater amount of fuel is burned.

Even small changes can make a worthwhile impact over a long period of time.

Keep your car in optimum condition​​

It is a fact that a poorly maintained car will use more fuel than one that has been cared for and regularly serviced. You should always maintain your service history in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.

Tyre pressure is an easy fix and can improve fuel efficiency by up to 10%. Check online for the optimum tyre pressure for your vehicle, the time of year, and set as directed.

Always check that you are using the correct engine oil.

Address any warning lights as soon as they appear with an authorised approved repairer.

Weight and aerodynamics

Any additional weight or unnecessary air resistance will certainly affect the efficiency of your fuel consumption. Clear any junk or heavy objects from your boot space, remove any unnecessary bike racks, roof racks and boxes, tent boxes etc, anything that affects the aerodynamics and weight to the vehicle. It all helps!

Drive smart

It sounds obvious but drive less.

The less you are in the car the less fuel you use. So, think about the trips you needs to take, combine journeys were possible, car-pool to work with colleagues, share journeys with family and friends, check the most efficient route and avoid rush-hour when heavy traffic will extend the length of your journey.

Every mile less you drive will save fuel and wear and tear to your vehicle.

Pay less for fuel

Use a website such as www.fuel-finder.uk to find the cheapest fuel in your area. Fill up locally before you set off on a journey, as Motorway Service Station prices are always higher. Supermarket Service Stations are often cheaper, plus you can collect loyalty points, which all adds up.

Go electric

Another way to reduce your fossil fuel spend is to go electric. Without going into the finer detail, it is certainly considerably cheaper to run an electric vehicle charged at home than a petrol or diesel vehicle.

To read the Underwoods guide on electric cars click here.

Summary

In summary, drive smoother and slower, look after your car (especially tyre pressure), think about your journeys and we can all save a little money.