Eco-driving tips
Driving efficiently
No matter what vehicle you drive, your motoring style will have a huge impact on its efficiency. However, there are a number of measures you can take to make your fuel tank go further, and some begin before you’ve even hit the open road. Here, we present top tips for improving fuel efficiency that can start today.
Regular maintenance
Frequent maintenance is vital to ensuring your vehicle performs to its best, and this extends to how much fuel is burned per journey. Make sure the correct oil specification has been added to your engine, and if you’re unsure, speak to the professionals. Tyre pressure can also have an impact, as tyres inflated to the less-than-recommended amount will create more rolling resistance and therefore increase consumption.
Reduce weight
Before setting off, remove any unnecessary items that are likely to weigh down your vehicle and make the engine work harder. This may include a full boot or empty roof box, which also contributes to fuel usage as wind resistance is lowered.
Plan your journey
It’s particularly important on longer journeys into unfamiliar territory to plan your journey well before setting off. Firstly, by using a sat nav or mapping out the route beforehand, you’ll avoid getting lost and wasting fuel by hunting down road signs. You can also choose the most efficient route, which may include those with long stretches of open road so you can maintain a steady pace. By avoiding delays and frequent start-stopping, you’ll avoid idling which is a major factor in fuel consumption.
Drive smarter
Pay attention to your driving style and change bad habits that reduce efficiency. It’s common sense to stick to speed limits for safety reasons, but higher speeds also mean higher revs and more fuel burned. Similarly, when pulling away change gear early when the revs are lower so the engine isn’t laboured – the AA recommends changing up at 2,000rpm in a diesel and 2,500rpm in a petrol. Make sure any electrical features that aren’t required, such as the heated rear window and air con, are switched off, as they all contribute to fuel consumption.
Improved fuel efficiency is possible no matter what car you drive, benefiting you through reduced fuel costs and less impact on the environment. For more tips on how you can drive greener, contact Charles Hurst’s motoring experts in Northern Ireland via your nearest dealership location.