Motorists are continuing to be hit by high petrol and diesel prices. Although record highs seen earlier this year have abated, pump prices are still well above where they were a year ago - and there's also a big gap between petrol and diesel.
With that in mind, drivers are no doubt doing what they can to squeeze every last mile out of what's in their tank. Experts at price comparison website Quotezone.co.uk have offered car owners advice on how to make their fuel go further with simple adjustments to their driving habits.
Obviously, Motorists are advised to avoid expensive petrol stations and search for the cheapest prices, for example it may be more cost-effective to fill the tank at an independent retailer – so check online for the nearest locations before setting off and include them as part of an upcoming journey before the fuel level hits low.
One of the most crucial factors in relation to fuel consumption is speed, as faster driving wastes more fuel. The optimum fuel-efficient speed for most cars is 45mph to 50mph.
Greg Wilson, founder of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Frugal drivers can get the maximum mileage from the fuel tank by incorporating money-saving driving techniques into their everyday journeys. Eco-driving can have a huge impact on how much money you spend at the petrol pump. Besides choosing the cheapest petrol station and the right speed, there are a number of other simple tricks that can help you make fuel go further, including decluttering the boot and checking tyre pressure.”
Here are eight fuel saving tips from the team at Quotezone.co.uk:
Remove excess weight
The heavier the car, the harder the engine has to work, resulting in higher fuel consumption. Make sure to declutter your car and clear out the boot to reduce some weight.
Regular maintenance
Keeping the car in good condition ensures that the vehicle runs efficiently, which also helps fuel economy. It may be a bit costly to service the car, but it can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Drive smoothly
Sudden braking and speeding up burns more fuel and that’s why it’s important to gauge the flow of traffic. Gentle acceleration and steady speed ensure the most economical use of fuel.
Change gears as early as possible
Switching into the highest possible gear keeps the revs low, which saves petrol. For example, at a 40mph speed a car will consume 25% more fuel in third gear compared to fifth. Under normal conditions the gears should be changed when the revs are between 1,500rpm and 2,000 rpm.
Check tyre pressures
It’s important to make sure that the tyres are inflated to the right pressure. Underinflated tyres create more rolling resistance, which means that the engine has to work harder. A car can consume 5% more fuel for every 0.5 bar drop in pressure.
Avoid idling
Drivers shouldn’t leave the engine running while they’ve stopped because it’s bad for the environment and wastes fuel. It’s worth switching off the engine when the car is stationary for even a few minutes. Many modern cars have a feature that does this automatically.
Turn off additional functions
A vehicle’s add-on functions, like air conditioning and seat heaters, should only be used when necessary, as they drain the car’s battery as well as the petrol tank.
Don’t fill the tank to the brim
Fuel is heavy, so if the tank is filled to the top, then there is more unnecessary weight that the car has to carry.
