Fuel Efficient Driving Tips
Regularly check you tire pressure to ensure they are not under inflated.
If all four tires are under inflated by just 5 psi (0.35 bar) you could be using up to 3% more fuel. Its good practice to check your tires pressure and condition at least once a month. This will not only save you fuel and money, but could also help avoid accidents.
Leave the car at home. Avoid driving short or unnecessary journeys, walk or cycle instead.
This will not only save you money, but will help keep you in shape, its win/win.
Drive at a maximum of 55 mph, as long its safe to do so.
55 mph is the speed at which the majority of cars are their most efficient, which is why 55 mph is the top speed at which the 'urban fuel economy' rating is derived. Driving at 55 mph will use around 20% less fuel than driving and 70 mph.
Drive in the highest gear possible without labouring the engine.
If you change gear at 2500 rpm (2000rpm for diesel engines) you can reduce your fuel consumption by 25%, as well as prolonging your engine's lifespan. Be careful not to allow the engine to labour (rev too low) though, as this can put unnecessary strain on the engine.
Try to avoid using air conditioning. Use the air vents instead.
Driving with the air conditioning can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 20%, if you find your car is too hot, the air vents will usually suffice without affecting fuel efficiency.
Don't drive with your windows or sunroof open, especially at high speeds.
Driving with your windows or sunroof open will cause a lot of extra drag and can cause you to use 10% more fuel. On hot days try using the air vents instead, as they will cool the car down, without reducing fuel efficiency.
Drive smoothly! This is the easiest and most effective way of saving fuel and money.
Avoid heavy accelerating and breaking, and always plan ahead. This will not only save you fuel, but will also extend your cars life expectancy and make you a safer driver. Adopting a smoother driving style could increase your fuel efficiency by 30%.
Only fill your fuel tank to between half and three quarters full, as this will save excess weight.
Even the most inefficient cars should never need a full tank to make it to the next petrol station. Completely filling your tank will add unnecessary weight to the car, and also increase the risk of fuel spilling while you fill up. Also be sure to screw the tank cap on tightly, as fuel evaporates easily.
Look after your car and have it regularly serviced.
With so many moving parts to a car, almost anything could cause a drop in fuel efficiency. Something as simple as cleaning/renewing your air filter or changing the oil can have a large impact on efficiency, which is why it is important to have your car serviced once a year. Not only can this reduce your fuel consumption by 10%, but it will also increase your car's life expectancy and its re-sale value.
