Top 10 Fuel-Saving Tips: How to Improve Your Car’s Efficiency
With inflation and the cost of living on the rise, fuel efficiency remains a top priority for car owners. In today’s economic climate, there’s an urgency to optimise fuel consumption and cut costs at the pump. That’s why, here at MotorServ UK our team have explored our top 10 fuel-saving tips to improve your car’s efficiency and to help you get the most out of your vehicle.
Fuel-Saving Tips: Driving Habits
1. Say no to reckless driving
In 2022, dangerous driving and speed limit offences accounted for 35% of all motoring prosecutions in the UK. Beyond the obvious safety risks, aggressive driving also takes a toll on your car’s efficiency. Higher engine speed leads to increased fuel consumption.
A key strategy to prevent this is to drive in the highest gear possible while adhering to speed limits. Keep your engine revs low, ideally 2000rpm, by quickly shifting to higher gears in urban driving to boost fuel efficiency.
2. Limit idling
Turn off the engine if you expect to be stopped for more than a minute or two. Idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle. Shutting off the engine can save you money and reduce emissions.
3. Use cruise control on the motorway
Using cruise control keeps your speed steady on the motorway. You can save between 6% to 14% on fuel compared to fluctuating speeds.
4. Anticipate traffic flow
Keep an eye on the road ahead and adjust your speed in advance. Avoid making sudden stops or accelerations to maintain a smoother driving experience and reduce fuel consumption.
Fuel-Saving Tips: Planning & Choices
5. Plan ahead
Before you head out, craft your route and estimate the driving time. Think about how many stops you can make in one round trip to avoid cold starts. Combine as many trips as possible.
6. Use the AC and electrics wisely
The use of electrical accessories decreases your car’s efficiency and increases fuel consumption. Running the air conditioner on “Max” decreases your MPG by about 5% to 25% compared to not using it at all.
7. Reduce excess weight
Clear out any unnecessary heavy items from your boot. The more weight your car carries, the more effort it needs to accelerate or slow down.
Fuel-Saving Tips: Maintenance
8. Book a car service regularly
Keep your vehicle running at its best. Improve your petrol mileage by servicing your car regularly. During a service, MotorServ UK technicians check essential systems including the engine, tyres and brakes, all of which play a vital role in how efficiently your car operates.
9. Avoid underinflated tyres
Underinflated tyres lead to increased rolling resistance and decreased MPG. Keeping your tyres properly inflated is crucial for optimal fuel efficiency. At MotorServ UK, you can have your tyre pressure checked and ensure that your tyres are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s specifications.
10. Choose the right engine oil
Prevent seizing, grinding or overheating by selecting the right engine oil for your vehicle. Doing this is essential for maintaining optimal engine performance and your car’s efficiency.
Conclusion
By implementing our top 10 fuel-saving tips, you can optimise your vehicle’s performance and significantly reduce your fuel expenses. Each step you take contributes to a more economical driving experience. If you have concerns about your fuel consumption and would like your vehicle checked over, give the team a call today and we can get your Car booked in for an initial inspection and diagnostic. Carrying out regular servicing, and utilising our carbon clean services, can improve your Engines efficiency and performance and help you save those £££’s at the pump.
