Drivers have been complaining about being unable to achieve their car’s claimed fuel economy for as long as they’ve been filling up their cars.
Along with grumbling about potholes and traffic jams, fuel economy is a serious bugbear because it hits people where it hurts most – in the wallet.
However, the vast majority of drivers could improve their car’s fuel economy by following some simple advice.
Here are our best fuel-saving tips.
1. Plan your route and leave plenty of time
The route and time of day of a journey will have the biggest impact on a car’s fuel economy.
Main roads with good quality road surfaces, driven before or after rush hour, are your best bet for excellent fuel economy. Also, avoid hills where possible.
If you’re not rushing about, you’re unlikely to use as much fuel so leave plenty of time.
2. Prepare your car
Skimping on servicing or choosing the cheapest possible oil that’s not recommended by the vehicle manufacturer is a false economy. Your car has been designed to exacting standards and operates within fine tolerances. Cut corners and it won’t work as well.
Follow the manufacturer's servicing schedule, check the condition of tyres and their air pressure, and consider fitting ‘eco-tyres’ next time you need replacements. Have the tracking of your wheels checked and keep tyres at the correct air pressure, too. Michelin research shows that tyres underinflated by just 15psi can reduce a car’s fuel efficiency by around six per cent.
If possible, remove unnecessary items from your boot (boxes, pushchairs, etc..), and take down roof racks or boxes when not in use.
3. Turn the air-conditioning off
Switch off the air-conditioning if you’re really serious about saving fuel.
Car air-conditioning systems use a lot of energy to cool air into your vehicle’s cabin and can increase your fuel consumption by up to 10%.
To save fuel consumption, wait until the air conditioning system has sufficiently cooled your car to a more pleasant temperature – then either decrease the flow rate, adjust the temperature, or even turn off the air-conditioning entirely.
4. Drive smoothly and stick to the speed limit
Anyone can drive economically. The secret is to be smooth and maintain steady progress. Don’t speed away from traffic lights and stick to all speed limits. You should push smoothly on the accelerator pedal and aim to build speed steadily.
Driving at a steady speed of 50mph instead of 70mph can improve fuel economy by up to 25%.
However, that doesn’t mean you should drive more slowly than is appropriate for the road you’re on.
5. Pay attention
As with all aspects of driving, paying attention, spotting potential hazards and anticipating other drivers’ intentions will make you safer and more efficient at the wheel. So, look ahead, read the road and anticipate as much as possible; the aim is to maintain momentum.
6. Don't dip the clutch
Dipping the clutch or shifting into neutral when a car is coasting is a mistake, and could be dangerous.
Modern engines have sophisticated computers that know, for example, when a car is going downhill. So, simply lift off the throttle and leave the car in a high gear, and the computer will cut fuel to the engine.
With modern cars, there’s nothing to be gained by coasting.
