All fuel is expensive right now. Even though many of the pressures that caused those huge spikes in petrol and diesel have largely gone, some forecourts have been slow to pass on savings.
If you’re spending more than you want to on fuel, I’m going to share some practical ways to get a few more miles to the gallon.
They won’t revolutionise your MPG, but they may help you go a little further for a little less.
In the current climate, every little really does help!
Under pressure
Tyre pressures have quite the influence over MPG. Some estimates are that tyres can account for up to 10% of your total miles per gallon so let’s start there.
Keep your tyres inflated to the recommended pressure as much as possible.
Tyres will have a maximum pressure somewhere on the sidewall. Depending on how you use the car, use that as a guide.
Make a habit of checking them once a month or so and keep them topped up.
Check tyre condition too as that can have a huge impact on safety.
Service your car
Having your car serviced is an expense but it can also help you save money on fuel.
A serviced car should be running at its most efficient, which has obvious benefits.
Servicing can also identify areas of concern before a breakdown or before component failure.
Proactive maintenance is also usually cheaper than a repair. That’s especially true if that failure results in a breakdown!
Lighten the load
Do you carry around lots of stuff in the boot that you really don’t need? Give your car a clear out to lighten the load.
It may result in a marginal gain but every little does help. The less weight your engine must haul around, the less fuel it will need to do it.
That’s especially true if you have a roof rack or roof box. Not only do they add (a little) weight, but they also add a lot of drag.
Both will impact how many miles you get to a gallon.
Use your air conditioning wisely
Air conditioning is a luxury but it also impacts fuel efficiency. Some say AC can reduce miles per gallon by 10% or more.
Use it when you need it but use it wisely.
Speeds up to 45/50mph, have the window open. Speeds over that, use AC.
Open windows at lower speeds have a negligible impact on MPG but more of an impact at higher speed.
When you’re driving faster, the reduction in MPG from your AC compressor is less than you would expect with a window open.
Use cruise control when safe to do so
Cruise control is an excellent way to manage MPG but it’s only suitable on dual carriageways and motorways.
It removes those tiny accelerations and decelerations we typically perform with our feet and keeps consumption much more regular.
It isn’t suitable for smaller roads though.
Drive slower and smoother
An engine is at its most efficient at around 50MPH on a free flowing road. If you can stick to those speeds (where legal), you can maximise efficiency.
Smooth driving is more pleasurable but also more frugal. Reducing hard accelerations and then braking can have a hugely positive impact on fuel efficiency.
It’s nicer for passengers too!
Accelerate slower and more smoothly and drift to a stop wherever possible. Avoid high revs and participating in the traffic light grand prix as much as you can and you’ll go a lot further on a tank.
Saving fuel when on the move
As you can see, most of these are common sense but we can often forget them during everyday life.
If you’re serious about lowering your fuel costs, these quick tips can make a difference. Just how much difference depends on how well you stick to them!
