Five ways to save on fuel and beat rising prices amid Iran War
The rise in oil prices above £75 per barrel has led many drivers in the UK to fill up their tanks more frequently in anticipation of rising pump prices.
Considering that there will be no immediate relief in fuel costs, it has become very important to understand how you can get optimum fuel economy from your vehicle.
There are several simple methods to increase the efficiency of your vehicle and make its operation significantly more cost-effective.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide detailing practical steps you can take to keep your car running as fuel-efficiently as possible.
Service your car
A major service is essential to keep your vehicle’s components running smoothly and efficiently and provide a clean bill of health.
Tasks such as changing oil and filter, new spark plugs, renewing the pollen filter and changing the brake fluid will extend its life and ensure cleaner operation.
If DIY is not an option, a reputable service can perform the necessary maintenance. A properly maintained car becomes more reliable and significantly less prone to breakdowns.
Do not use the air conditioner unless necessary
Using the car’s air conditioning can increase fuel consumption as it can stress the engine.
To be more comfortable behind the wheel, use air conditioning only in hot weather. Some cars have a ‘driver only’ setting on their air conditioning systems, which uses less energy and doesn’t affect fuel economy too much.
Make sure all your tires are pumped to the correct PSI
Always make sure your tires are inflated to the correct PSI, as under-inflated tires can affect vehicle economy and safety.
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Driving a car with under-inflated tires consumes more fuel because the engine has to work harder to accelerate the vehicle.
Car manufacturers often place tire pressure labels on the vehicle’s owner’s manual, fuel filler cap, or front door covers.
Always inflate tires to the correct PSI of the vehicle, as many gas stations have air machines to make it easier to refuel your tires quickly.
Do not drive with the windows open
Driving with a car’s windows open can affect fuel economy as it creates more friction, which means the engine has to work harder to accelerate. Same thing with the sunroof open, as this also causes drag while driving.
It is better not to open your windows in hot weather and to use the vehicle’s fan system to cool off.
Use the start-stop function in traffic and do not leave the engine idling
Many modern cars now come with a fuel-saving start-stop function that turns off the engine when a vehicle stops at traffic lights.
Always use this function and do not allow the engine to idle when stationary, as a running engine will constantly burn fuel and have an impact on fuel economy and the environment.
Do not carry unnecessary weight in the car
Is there anything you don’t need to carry in your car? If there is, remove it, because the heavier your car is, the more fuel it consumes.
As the extra weight increases, move further away from areas such as the vehicle’s trunk area, glove compartment, and even door trunks.
If you travel a lot and use a roof box with roof bars, it’s a good idea to remove them when not in use as this will also cause more friction and require the car’s engine to work harder.
If you don’t cover a lot of miles, it may be better not to fill your car completely with fuel and use half a tank, as having less fuel in your car will make it lighter and therefore more fuel efficient.
