I’m a motoring expert – here are eight ways to make your fuel last longer during the cost of living crisis
A MOTORING expert has revealed eight ways to make your fuel last longer during the cost of living crisis.
Simple adjustments to the way motorists drive their cars can lead to better fuel efficiency.
Before hitting the road, car owners should be seeking out the most reasonable fuel prices in their area.
But to make sure gas goes an extra mile, Greg Wilson, founder of car insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk, says drivers tweak their habits behind the wheel.
He explains: “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.
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“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 Mr Wilson reveals eight ways to ensure you’re taking every step to make fuel last as long as possible.
REMOVE EXCESS WEIGHT
Car engines have to work harder when they’re carrying more way, leading to higher fuel consumption.
By decluttering your car of unnecessary items, you can reduce some weight.
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REGULAR MAINTENANCE
A car should be running as efficiently as possible as it helps fuel economy.
Servicing a car can be costly in the short-term, but it will make the car run smoother and help you avoid extra costs in the future.
TAKE IT EASY
Gentle acceleration and maintaining a steady speed is the best way to get the most of out of fuel.
Avoid breaking suddenly or burning up fuel by putting your foot on the accelerator by gauging the flow of traffic.
CHANGE GEARS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE
Switching into the highest possible gear keeps the revs low which saves petrol.
For example, at a 40 mph speed the car will consume 25 per cent more fuel in third gear compared to fifth.
Under normal conditions, the gears should be changed when the revs are between 1,500-2,000 rpm.
CHECK TYRE PRESSURE
It’s important to make sure that the tyres are inflated to the right pressure, because underinflated tyres create more rolling resistance which means that the engine has to work harder.
The car can consume 5 percent 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.
TURN OFF ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
Functions like air conditioning and seat heaters should only be used, when necessary.
They can drain the car’s battery as well as the petrol tank.
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DON’T FILL THE TANK ALL THE WAY UP
Fuel is heavy, so if the tank is filled to the top, then there is more unnecessary weight that the car has to carry.