December 14, 2023

Driving techniques to help save fuel

Introduction

When you're driving, there are lots of ways to save fuel without sacrificing your safety or comfort. Many people don't realise that the way they drive can have a big impact on their mileage and overall fuel consumption. Follow these simple tips for better fuel economy!

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Minimising Idling

Idling a car is the worst way to burn fuel. Not only does it waste fuel but idling also increases emissions and causes wear on your car's engine. The EPA estimates that unnecessary engine idling costs drivers £2.6billion per year in wasted fuel.

So when you're stopped for more than 30 seconds at a traffic light or in traffic, turn off the engine and save money! A recent study by AAA found that turning off an idling vehicle after three minutes of waiting can save up to 2 litres of petrol per hour—that’s nearly £3.30 worth of fuel each day!

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Appropriate gear shifting

When the engine is at its most efficient, shift up. For example, the best time to shift from third gear to fourth is when your speedometer reads somewhere between 25 and 50 mph. When driving on a flat road without any wind or hills, this will be easy to measure.

If your engine is working less efficiently than normal—for instance, in traffic jams where you're not able to accelerate above 4th gear—then try shifting down earlier (and vice versa).

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Using momentum -- coasting

In this technique, you will use momentum to save fuel. This involves slowing down to a speed where the car is still moving but it's no longer accelerating. You do this by using the brake pedal and not using the accelerator.

If you're traveling at 60 mph, you'll need to slow down to about 30 mph before coasting.

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Reduce speed

Speed is one of the most important factors in determining fuel consumption. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. By reducing your speed by just 5 mph, you can save 10% on fuel. A reduction in speed also reduces wear and tear on your car and its parts, which can prolong their life.

It’s easy to be tempted to blast over a hill or pass someone when driving on an open road – but try to resist this temptation as it will cost you money! Instead, take advantage of the long sweeping bends that give drivers plenty of time to slow down safely at higher speeds.

We hope you have gained something from this article. The next time you're on the road, try out some of these tips to help save on fuel while still getting where you need to go.

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