Experts have shared tips on how to best drive in a way that will minimise the use of fuel. Drivers weaving their way across London will no doubt be looking for ways to reduce their spending on vehicles as cost of living rises and ULEZ expansion will see costs increase for many drivers in the capital.
Experts at Which? have shared tips on how to make sure your fuel gets you as far as it can with simple but efficient driving tips. These tips include all sorts of easy changes from altering how sharply you brake to air conditioning and tyre pressure checks.
Experts at Which? have shared the top tips for drivers to use fuel more efficiently
Braking
The experts say that no matter what car you own ‘smooth driving and preserving momentum will improve your overall fuel economy.’
The top tip from the experts is to: “Look further ahead so you can better anticipate traffic and reduce unnecessary acceleration and braking. Braking wastes the energy used to get the car up to speed, dissipating it as heat.”
Shifting gears
For those with a manual car, the expert have advised that shifting up gears as early as possible to prevent the engine from working too hard. Handily, they say, newer cars often have an indicator on the dashboard which alerts the driver of the most efficient time o change gears.
The experts also added that many automatic cars also come with an ‘Eco’ driving mode, which will alter when the gearbox shifts to minimise consumption.
Air conditioning
The experts were clear on the impact of air conditioning and heated seats on a car’s fuel consumption. They said: “On colder days, it’s better to drive your car immediately (but gently) rather than letting it warm up.
“Modern engines warm up very quickly, so not only will it get up to temperature quicker – reducing the potential for engine wear – you’ll also use less fuel.”
“Air conditioning and heated seats are heavy power consumers, and regular use can have a small but noticeable effect on your fuel bills. However, using your air conditioning occasionally can prevent it from developing problems later down the line – around once a week is fine.”
Tyre pressure
Something as simple as checking tyre pressure regularly could also help save fuel as even if they are slightly under-inflated they can make the engine have to work harder, causing a lower fuel efficiency.
The experts also gave a couple of other simple checks that can help improve fuel economy, they said: “It’s also having your wheel alignment checked at a garage from time to time. Potholes and bumps can cause gradual misalignment, which increases energy consumption and tyre wear.”
Sat Navs and ‘eco-routes’
Trusting the navigation device on the dashboard could also be the perfect recipe to save on fuel, the experts say: “Not only can newer devices and apps help you avoid fuel-sapping traffic jams, but many can also calculate ‘eco’ routes, designed to be the most economical way to your destination, if not necessarily the fastest or shortest.”
Keyword: Highway Code: Experts share list of how to drive in a way that uses less fuel and saves money