Reducing Fuel Consumption

There are a number of ways that we, as individuals, can control the way we use our vehicles which will have a positive effect, financially and environmentally.

1. Do you need to make the journey? It is well worth considering whether you need to use your vehicle at all, especially for short journeys. Cold cars use more fuel until they get to the correct operating temperature. Your catalytic converter is also less efficient when cold; therefore it may not function as well. Short journey are to be avoided as they increase your engine emissions and result in higher fuel use.

2. Check tyre pressures. Having the correct tyre pressures are one of the simplest ways of saving money on fuel costs. Under inflated tyres mean that they are not only potentially dangerous, but because they increase the resistance of the car on the road, the car has to work harder, meaning increased fuel use. Checking your tyres, especially before long journeys is a way of improving safety as well as saving you money

3. Remove extra weight. If you have a heavy item in the boot, which you leave in because it is more convenient than taking it out, then you are costing yourself money. Getting rid of extra weight means that the car does not have to work harder, as it has to use extra fuel to drag a heavier load. Less weight makes the car more efficient, especially when accelerating.

4. Remove unnecessary external fittings. Roof racks, boxes, bike racks and rails should all be removed unless they are actually going to be used on a journey. The aerodynamics of the car and its drag efficiency is greatly reduced by these fixings and again, reduces fuel efficiency. Driving with the windows up will also help the aerodynamic profile of your vehicle and reduce drag.

5. Choose when to use air conditioning. Turning on the air conditioning or opening the window will reduce your vehicle's fuel consumption. The most efficient way to keep cool is to use the air conditioning over thirty five miles per hour, with the window up. Below this speed, simply open the windows. Air conditioning uses more fuel and opening the windows increases drag. Neither is ideal, but diving this way is the most efficient method.

6. The correct gear. Driving in the correct gear for the speed you are driving, wastes less fuel. If you are in a higher or lower gear, you will use more fuel than you should be doing, as well as putting unnecessary strain on the engine. Listening to the sound of the engine will soon tell you whether you are right or wrong.

7. Be smooth. Accelerating quickly or slowing down suddenly means more work for your car's engine. Smooth acceleration and the correct use of gears, whilst accelerating and slowing down can help fuel efficiency. Look ahead and try to break smoothly. It is not only more fuel efficient, but also more safe. You should also try not to speed. This increases fuel use dramatically.

8 Don't be idle. If it is safe to do so and you think you are going to be waiting a while; turn off the car engine. You will actually use less fuels starting up the car again, than you would if you simply have the car engine idling whilst you are waiting.

9. Maintain your vehicle. Having your car serviced regularly, as well as the regular maintenance which should be carried out regularly at home will also ensure that your car works at its most efficient. Blocked filter, poorly performing emission systems and poor oil performance, can all help towards making your car use more fuel than it needs to.

10. Use the correct fuel and lubricants. Good quality lubricants, which should be correct for your particular vehicle, can help the car to run more smoothly. In the long term the correct fuels and lubricants can reduce engine wear, as well as making your car more efficient.