Fuel Prices Hit New Highs – 02/03/12
Getting better fuel economy from your car is a topic that is uppermost in people’s minds these days. Having pulled up at a local garage today and discovered that the price of a litre of unleaded fuel is now 139.9p, there is no better time than to look at some of the ways you can make that tank of fuel last a bit longer. Most people’s idea of the way to stretch that tank of petrol is to drive more slowly, but that is not exactly the case. For sure, on a long motorway journey you can reduce your consumption considerably by driving just 10 m.p.h. slower than you normally do and it won’t make too much difference in your arrival time. However, did you know that accelerating quickly and hard braking are far worse offenders. The answer is prudent driving. Be more aware of what is happening around you, allowing you to be more in control of your driving.
If you’ve been on holiday lately you will have come across the extortionate charges for excess baggage. Airlines are looking closely at the difference that additional weight makes to their fuel economy…..and so should you. We’re not suggesting you fly everywhere, but merely that you look at the unnecessary things you carry around in your car when you really don’t need to. Golfers, do you leave your clubs in the boot all week when you only need them for the Saturday four ball? Reducing the weight carried in your car could bring you up to 5% in savings, and of course more if you are driving a smaller vehicle.
Try and drive within a range of speed between 30-60 m.p.h. We all know that with your foot down , speeding at 80 is going to use a lot of fuel, but actually once you get above 60, fuel consumption rises rapidly. It is also worth noting that 10-25 m.p.h. is just as bad as driving over 60 so try not to idle around town too much. If you are in a traffic jam turn your engine off if it is safe to do so. An idling engine is the worst form of fuel waste there is.
Do you have a fifth or sixth gear on your car? We are told the way to a healthy life is to have a healthy heart and a slowly beating heart is a healthy heart. It’s the same with your engine, the heart of your car. Driving in 5th/6th gear actually reduces the revs on your engine, and a slower beating engine is a more longer lasting and efficient one.
Your engine will also run much more efficiently if it is accurately tuned. A finely tuned engine can improve your mileage between 5-40%. Car Repairs Belfast will be pleased to advise you on what can be achieved with your own car and check your emission levels.
One of the best ways to save on your fuel costs is also one of the easiest and cheapest to implement. By ensuring that your tyres are inflated to the correct recommended pressure not only makes your vehicle safer but can give you up to another 5% of miles per gallon. Get into the habit of checking your tyre pressures every time you fill up.
Plan your day so that you do not make more journeys than are necessary. If you have a number of things to do, try and combine them into one trip. If you know friends who work in the same town as yourself, see if you can arrange a car sharing plan amongst yourselves. This could cut your weekly cost down by up to 75%, a huge saving.
Finally, be aware of fuel economy when considering your next car purchase. It makes sense to look into vehicles that are fuel efficient. As petrol has hit a new high today, a vehicle capable of an extra ten miles per gallon will save you some £3000 per annum, a very worthwhile sum!
