Innovation in green technology has dominated the auto industry in recent years. Electric vehicles, hybrid cars and economical engines have been shifting our focus to fuel consumption and the ways in which we can preserve energy.
In addition to helping the environment, fuel conservation also saves users money — it’s a win/win. In this article, we are going to advise you on how to become a more economical driver.
Plan ahead
A shorter journey will use a smaller amount of fuel. Plan ahead of time to find the quickest route to your destination. A sat-nav can be useful for finding the quickest route, and it can also provide real-time updates on traffic. Some models even show you the most economical route by avoiding fuel-sapping obstacles such as hills.
Drive smoothly
Accelerate smoothly to preserve fuel. Revving your vehicle and accelerating sharply puts unnecessary strain on your engine. Always accelerate from a standstill at a controlled pace.
Avoid hard braking
It’s impossible to avoid hard braking altogether; sometimes it is needed for safety purposes. But where possible, bring your car to a gentle stop instead of braking sharply. When your vehicle stops suddenly, the engine must work harder to bring it back up to speed.
Economical tyres
Economical tyres are designed to preserve as much energy as possible. Research has found that economical tyres could improve fuel economy by around 2.5mpg, which equates to around £50 per year from the tyres alone.
Clean car
Excess weight will stress your engine — something you may have noticed if you’ve driven with multiple passengers. Tidy your car to remove any unnecessary weight.
Cold driving
Contrary to popular belief, it is not recommended to warm your car by starting it up and keeping it stationary. It is more efficient to gently drive your car immediately after starting it. Doing so will retain more fuel during the colder months.
Check tyre pressure
Under-inflated tyres can cause drag and will hinder the performance of your car. Inflate your tyres to a suitable level to ensure the most economical performance.
Service and maintain your car regularly
There are a number of components that can affect the performance of your vehicle. Regular servicing will ensure that all the parts of your car are functioning correctly. This will make a significant difference in performance and fuel conservation.
Oaks Services are Surrey’s leading provider of MOTs, car repairs and servicing. From our vehicle servicing centres, we can provide a range of car services and repairs that will prevent excessive fuel consumption. Your newly serviced vehicle will be helping the environment and saving you money at the same time. To benefit from our services, get in touch today.
