How To Reduce Car Fuel Consumption

REMOVE EXCESS WEIGHT

You can reduce fuel consumption by removing excess weight from your car.

You can do this by removing your roof rack when you aren’t using it and disposing of any rubbish.

REDUCE DRAG

At low speeds, open the window – the fuel used to compensate for drag is less than the fuel used to power your air con.

DON’T COAST

Many people used to try to save fuel by coasting – that is rolling downhill out of gear. While it’s true that it won’t cost you extra, nowadays it won’t save you fuel either. Therefore, you’re much better off altering your driving style.

ONLY TOP UP YOUR TANK WITH AS MUCH FUEL AS YOU NEED

As annoying as it is to regularly top up your fuel, it does help you get more miles for your money. Only topping up with what you need and avoiding having a full tank means the fuel you do have goes slightly further.

GO EASY ON THE ACCELERATOR

To improve your fuel economy, the Institute of Advanced Motorists has the following driving tips. Try to keep your driving smooth. Gentle acceleration and using the highest safe gear will use less fuel.

FILL UP WITH YOUR VEHICLE’S RECOMMENDED FUEL TYPE

Most standard brands of fuel have a 95 octane rating. Whereas super fuel typically has a rating of around 98. This can make the engine work more efficiently and improve performance.

INFLATE TYRES TO THE CORRECT PRESSURE

The surface area that’s in contact with the road increases when a tyre is under-inflated. The more surface area in contact with the road, the more drag on the wheel.

Research has found that a tyre just 10 PSI under the recommended level can increase fuel consumption by 2.5 percent.