Drivers are always looking to get the best deals on fuel prices to make their money go further. However finding the cheapest price at the pump isn’t the only way you can get ahead, and there are some tips you can follow if you want to make the most out of that full tank. Driving more efficiently could end up saving you plenty of pounds in the long run and help your car become more economical.
Make sure your tyres are inflated properly
Under inflated tyres are a huge waste of fuel. It’s estimated that £1 billion a year is being wasted on excess fuel because drivers aren’t using tyres that are correctly inflated. You could save a lot of money by checking your tyres, and you’ll also be looking after the wellbeing of your car and adding to its longevity.
Take excess weight out of the car
Storing heavy items in the boot may seem like a good idea if you’re trying to save space in the home, but it won’t do any good to your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Try to remove items from the boot and the back of the car before you set off on your journey. You should also take off bike and roof racks when you’re not using them.
Avoid harsh acceleration and drive steadily
Accelerating rapidly will dramatically increase the amount of fuel your car uses. Driving steadily is a great way to save fuel, as smooth accelerating, steering and braking reduces the energy that is lost through suspension movement. Sticking to the speed limit is also advised, with research showing that driving at 80mph uses up 25% more fuel than driving at 70mph.
Limit the air conditioning
Having the air conditioning on high is a prime way of lowering fuel efficiency at low speeds. If you’re feeling hot while travelling at low speeds then it’s probably a better idea to open the windows. However this isn’t a good idea for high speed travel, as open windows increase the aerodynamic drag and means you’ll be wasting more petrol than usual.
Take care of your car
Making sure your car is well maintained is a key part of helping it run well. Service it regularly to be certain that the engine is running as it should, and it’s also handy to check if you’re using the right engine oil. Bad wheel alignment, dirty filters or dodgy spark plugs could end up hurting your vehicle in the long run, so make sure you get everything checked out as quickly as possible.
Spending money on fuel is a necessity of life which can’t be avoided, but following these tips should help you save money and it could also end up benefitting your car in the long run. For those of you who find yourselves in the unfortunate position of putting the wrong fuel into your vehicle, you need to give Wrong Fuel Expert a call. We can see to it that the wrong fuel is extracted safely and then we’ll leave you with enough of the right fuel to get to the nearest petrol station. Contact us today to find out more.