How To Save On Fuel Consumption And Get More MPG For Your Money

Cut The Cost Of Fuel In Motoring


Fuel saving tips:

By using a few simple techniques, you can achieve better MPG.  These techniques are very basic but over the year will save you money.

Also, by simply keeping your eye on how many miles to the gallon your car is doing, can give you early warning signs when your car is faulty.

  • Braking and stopping are major factors in your cars fuel consumption.  Harsh braking and regular stopping will use more fuel than if you slow down gently when coming to lights, roundabouts, junctions etc.  Gently let the car naturally bring you to a stop, rather than accelerating all the way then braking hard.  By avoiding hard braking and heavy accelerating, can save up to 30% on fuel.
  • Anticipate the road ahead and roll up (Do NOT Coast, always maintain full control) to lights, roundabouts etc without sudden stopping or slamming on the brakes.
  • Accelerate smartly and not like aracer, get the revs right and only use between 1/3  – ½ of the throttle. Heavy accelerating uses more fuel. 
  • Don’t use your air conditioning unless you really need to.  Using air conditioning, uses more fuel.
  • Using other facilities such as blowers, rear heated window headlights and heater all contribute in the consumption of fuel.  Obviously, you will need to use these at some point whilst driving but try to avoid using them for longer than is necessary, it could save you up to 12%.
  • Make sure you have the correct air pressure in your tyres, the wrong air pressure can reduce your MPG and cost you 2% on fuel costs.
  • Maintaining a constant speed will increase your MPG.  For example a constant speed of 56 MPH (the optimum speed for fuel efficiency) will give you 25% (approx) better MPG than at 70 MPH.  If your car has cruise control, then make use of it and set it so you get the most from your fuel.
  • Less weight = more MPG.  Don’t carry unecessary weight in your boot, so clear your boot of any unwanted items.  Even having a full tank is carrying excess weight.  Unless you need to fill your car to the brim, just put enough fuel in to last you for your desired journey.  Also, roof racks, bike racks etc create drag, when not in use, take them of.
  • A well serviced car will provide better MPG (around 10% better).  Change your filters, plugs and oil at regular intervals.
  • Don’t leave you car running in order for it to warm up.  This is a waste of fuel and it is much better to drive your car gently for the first 5-10 minutes to save on fuel.
  • Long periods of your car engine idling is simply wasting your fuel, stood around talking with your engine running or simply waiting with the engine running is wasting fuel.  If you think you will be stood for a long period, switch it off.  Obviously, starting your car uses fuel so use your common sense as to which is best at the time.
  • Reduce drag, close your windows, wash your car keep the dirt off!  The more aerodynamic your car is, the better MPG your car will deliver
  • Don’t use your car for short runs.  Short journeys that strain a cold engine will produce 60% more pollution and use more fuel.  If you need to go to the shop or to a friends house just down the road, walk!  It saves you fuel and helps keep you fit in the process, a win win situation!
  • Plan your route and take the shortest route possible.  This may seem obvious but bad planning or lack of it can cost you in time and fuel.  Becoming lost on route not only makes you stressed but cost you money in additional mileage.
  • Try to travel at off peak times, sat in traffic will only reduce your fuel consumption.
  • When the engine of your car is cold, it is at it’s least efficient point.  Therefore, if you need to park, reverse into the parking space and when you leave, you will be able to drive away smoothly causing less strain on your engine.
  • Use your gears correctly.  Using the higher gears will produce better MPG (up to 20%) so getting into the higher gears whenever possible is better.  However don’t labour the engine, as incorrect gear selection will do nothing for your fuel consumption.  Change gear at around 2000rpm (in diesel car) and 2500rpm (in petrol car), this will put less strain on your cars engine.
  • Car share. Why not share your journeys with a work colleague or friend.  Why bother taking 2 cars to the same place if you only need to take one.  It reduces your fuel consumption by 50% and reduce the pollution at the same time.