Top tips for fuel economy
Gas Guzzlers
Last year British vehicles guzzled over 14 billion litres of fuel. Although this is a huge figure it’s actually a billion less than the previous year. According to AA research last year’s drop was largely due to many consumers cutting journeys where possible, combined with a general slow-down in economic activity. In response to recent AA surveys two out of three drivers said that they would continue to cut back on the number of journeys that they make. However, many journeys are necessary and where this is the case consumers stated they would cut back on other costs, including essential purchases such as food. Quizzed as to their New Year’s resolutions, 40 per cent said they would certainly be trying to drive more economically. So how do you squeeze every last drop out that liquid gold?
Why bother?
Tests have shown that driving with fuel efficiency in mind can save an average of 10 per cent on fuel costs with some people able to achieve savings of up to 30 per cent. Although a fuel duty increase due this month was scrapped by the government, further rises are likely and savings of this sort should not be ignored.
Off road basics
* Basic maintenance checks carried out on regular basis will keep the car at peak performance in terms of fuel efficiency. Check the specification of the oil you are using in the car – use the manufacturers recommended variety and keep the oil levels topped up.
* Regular professional servicing of the car should be considered. This can be a “spend to save” option, but it’s still important. With many modern cars requiring less servicing than older models it can be easy to overlook. Small problems can build up over time and simply making sure that brake pads and suspension are performing at their best can have an impact on fuel consumption.
* Accelerate and decelerate gently and keep an eye on what’s happening ahead. Sharp breaking or sudden acceleration will increase the amount of fuel used. Spotting hazards and delays allows you to slow or speed up gently and in plenty of time.
* Get into the highest gear you can as soon as possible. Once the revs are past 2000rpm for petrol cars you should be changing up, in diesel it’s around 2500rpm.
* Keep moving. Fuel consumption increases dramatically when you have to continually start and stop. This can be a problem when driving in the city, so pay attention to what’s coming up, approach lights and junctions slowly enough to allow you to crawl along until lights have changed.
* Speed limits are not just a polite suggestion by those nice people at the Highways Agency. At 70 miles per hour you use 9 per cent more fuel than at 60mph and 15 per cent more than at 50. It may not make you look cool but you’ll be richer.
And finally
Fuel efficiency can be about more than driving and may even involve a couple of lifestyle changes. The occasional walk or cycle to work will increase your wealth and health, trips to the shops should be combined into one round of trips and perhaps timed around school runs – starting an engine from cold uses more fuel, so by combining trips into one journey you’ll be saving money. Whatever changes you’re making in 2012 make sure you get every penny’s worth out of that petrol.
Written by The Spy, 20 January, 2012 - 09:00
