How to become more fuel efficient
Fuel prices have reached record highs this year, in July the average price of petrol was hitting 191.53p-per-litre and diesel reaching 199.05p. However, they have fallen again since then.
However, the RAC has warned that diesel prices are likely to go up again. This is because of a recent announcement by the oil producer group OPEC+ that it would be cutting oil production by two million barrels a day.
Therefore, saving money on fuel where you can, could make all the difference. We have put together some tips below on how to be the most fuel efficient you can.
1. Change Air filters
Having a clean filter can prevent excessive gas use. This is helpful as it allows for increased airflow through the engine. Changing your air filters regularly will reduce the amount of clogging and produce proper combustion.
2. Check tyre Pressure
It is good practice to regularly check your tyre pressure anyway as it helps with traction and breaking distances in wet conditions. However, by doing so you could also be saving yourself money. If your tyres are underinflated there will be less rolling resistance which will use more gas than properly inflated tyres.
3. Check your fuel cap
If you have a fuel cap that is damaged, loose, or missing it is likely that you are losing fuel. You want to make sure to regularly check your fuel cap as a way of preventing gas evaporation.
4. Check Battery Cables
With battery cables your biggest problem is going to be corrosion. Corrosion can put a lot of strain on the vehicles alternator as it is having to work overtime to compensate - resulting in more fuel being used. By cleaning or replacing battery cables you should be able to avoid corrosion and therefore be more fuel efficient.
5. Use the right gear
Staying in the wrong gear for too long will waste your fuel. Lower gears have a higher RPM meaning they generate more torque. Use the optimal gear to be the most fuel efficient. Also, by accelerating gently you will be more fuel efficient, the faster you accelerate the more fuel you use, it is even better if you can anticipate the traffic to eliminate breaking more frequently than needed.
6. keep your engine from idling for too long
Your vehicle is unnecessarily using up fuel when you let your engine sit idle. In some situations, it might be best to switch off your engine. 10 minutes of idle time can be equivalent to more than 1 cup of expanded fuel.
Some quick and easy extra ways to be fuel efficient can also include not carry unnecessary weight, removing roof rack, or bike rack, using air conditioning sparingly, combining trips and planning ahead of long journeys.
We hope these tips were helpful in cutting fuel costs as much as possible!