LCH Handy Tips: Fuel consumption

With the cost of fuel rising (and electric cars still not quite there yet when it comes to practicality) people are looking for free and easy ways to save money when it comes to their cars. These aren’t miracle tips that will ensure one tank will last you a lifetime but it will certainly improve your fuel efficiency.

Care for your car

Before you start your journey there are ways to start saving. A well maintained vehicle will run a lot more efficiently than a vehicle that has been neglected. Check your tyre pressure regularly, an under inflated tyre creates a larger surface area, creating more resistance and therefore using more fuel. It takes less than 5 minutes to do and at larger supermarket petrol stations it is usually free!

Need for speed

Racing along the outside lane in your new S-Class may make you feel like the next Lewis Hamilton but you’re not fooling anyone. What you’re actually doing is using up to 25% more fuel (if going at 80mph) than if you would driving sensibly at 70mph, not to mention breaking the law! 

Even better, if you’re not in a rush, driving at 50mph will save you up to 30% more fuel than if you were driving at 70mph.

Similarly, driving like a boy racer by breaking and accelerating violently, doesn’t just annoy other road users but also can use up to (a shocking) 60% more fuel! Accelerating and breaking gently by reading the road ahead will not only make you a safer driver, but a richer one.

Lose some weight

A collection of takeaway cups, receipts and unnecessary heavy items in your vehicle does not only make a car messy but collectively can cost you in fuel. The lighter the vehicle the less fuel you will be using so keep your car clean and tidy.

Roof racks and boxes will also add wind resistant to the vehicle, again increasing fuel consumption. If you don’t need it, take it off! If you do, make sure you arrange and pack well to reduce drag.

Lost

Another top tip for saving money (and avoiding those inevitable in car arguments) is planning your journey. Getting lost with today’s technology has now become less of an issue, with satnavs on our mobiles it’s easy to find your way most places, but make sure you know where you’re going before you start. Batteries die, signals fail and you can’t rely on your iPhone to drive you there. So for those times, make sure you have a map in your car!

Though unfortunately, as much as you plan ahead, you can still sometimes find yourself spending half an hour to get to where your satnav said was 5 minutes away because you missed your exit. Don’t worry; it happens to the best of us!


Keep cool

Years ago air conditioning used to be a luxurious extra, now a days it comes as standard, so if your vehicle doesn’t have it, you’re probably driving a tractor. But this once lavish feature still takes its toll on your fuel consumption, as does any other electrical feature in your car. If you can see through your window, turn off your heated windscreen and if it’s sunny outside, turn off your headlights!

You might not be able to have the air conditioning on but at least you can open the windows right? Not really. At low speeds having the windows open in place of air conditioning is fine but at higher speeds it starts to affect the aerodynamics of the vehicle, creating more drag and consuming more fuel. No air conditioning and no open windows; count yourself lucky that you live in a country that doesn’t experience summer!

Again, these aren't black magic tricks that ensures you will never have to set foot in a petrol station again but it will make a big difference in your fuel consumption and therefore your monthly vehicle outgoings. And if you’re still not happy with the amount you’re spending on fuel? Buy a bicycle.