With the cost of fuel at record levels at filling stations across Europe, Fleet Logistics has compiled a list of the top 10 tips for driving more fuel efficiently and cutting costs.
These driving tips are tried and tested ideas that really do make a positive difference to a car's fuel economy and can help your drivers save you money!
1. Drive smoothly
Driving like a boy-racer by accelerating aggressively or braking hard not only makes you look like a bit of a fool, but it wastes fuel too - up to 60% more in fact! When pulling away from the lights, try to accelerate gently.
2. Read the road ahead
When driving, try to look ahead and read the conditions of the road - look out for anything that might require you to slow down or stop, such as traffic lights or someone attempting to park. By anticipating what is coming up, you'll not only be a safer driver, but you'll save fuel by starting to slow down early and not needing to come to a stop.
3. Use the gears sensibly
Some of us have a love-hate relationship with the gear stick, but the fact of the matter is that correct use of gears can make huge savings on your fuel bill of up to 15%! Make sure you change up into a higher gear as soon as it’s possible and safe to do so.
4. Stick to the speed limit
Doing 130 kms/hour on the motorway will use between 10% and 20% more fuel than doing 110 kms/hour - not to mention that it’s illegal on most highways! For a 30 kms motorway journey, driving at 130 kms/hour will only save you about two minutes compared to driving at 110 kms/hour anyway! If you're not in a hurry to get anywhere, doing 110 kms/hour will use between 20% and 30% more fuel than doing 80 kms/hour. Suddenly, being stuck behind a lorry doesn't seem so bad!
5. Check your tyres
Make sure you check your tyre pressures regularly (at least once every two weeks). An under-inflated tyre can increase fuel consumption by 3% and it will wear out quicker too. Check your owner's manual for the correct pressures.
6. Don't "warm up" the engine
When starting on those cold mornings, don't leave your car running to warm it up. It causes unnecessary engine wear, as well as wasting fuel. Instead, invest in some decent de-icer and try to drive off straight away - so long as you can see where you are going!
7. Avoid short trips
It is so easy to just hop in the car to pop down to the corner shop to pickup your Sunday papers, but a cold engine will generally use twice as much fuel as a warm engine. Walk instead - the exercise will do you good!
8. Turn off the air conditioning
Air conditioning is great in the hot summer months, but only use it when you really need to and just use the blowers the rest of the time. Try to avoid opening the windows when driving at speed as this can increase aerodynamic drag which will waste more fuel. Running the air con when you don't need it will waste a lot of fuel.
9. Avoid unnecessary engine use
Switch your engine on after you’ve put on your seatbelt, checked your mirrors and tuned the radio. Fuel used while you’re carrying out these actions is wasted.
10. Keep your car in tip-top condition
Try to keep your car well maintained by making sure the recommended service schedule is followed, either by taking it to a reputable garage, or servicing it yourself. A well-tuned engine with fresh, clean oil and new air filters will run more efficiently than an engine that has been neglected.
11. And finally... please remember it takes 8,460 bolts to assemble an automobile, but one nut to scatter it all over the road!
