How to improve fuel consumption
Monday 24th June 2019
Whether you’re a long-distance commuter or you spend your time on short but frequent journeys, the need to refill your petrol can come at the most inconvenient times. But what if you could improve your fuel consumption, and avoid spending half your life at the petrol station? Find out when your vehicle will use more fuel and how to avoid excessive consumption – not only to improve your finances, but to improve your vehicle’s health, too.
What will improve fuel consumption?
There are many factors that can help to improve petrol consumption. Whether it’s as simple as taking your foot off the pedal or shopping around for your cheapest fuel prices, or ensuring your car is booked in for its regular service – learn what improves fuel consumption today.
Slow down
Want an easy way to reduce petrol consumption? Take it easy on the pedal. It’s always tempting to put your foot down – especially when you’re in a rush or have been stuck in traffic for a while – but forcing your engine to high speeds is one of the fastest ways to rinse your tank. The faster you drive, the greater the drag your car is working against – meaning your fuel efficiency is compromised. Also, stopping abruptly will decrease your fuel – as the car will have to use energy to bring your car to a complete stop. So, if you keep your speeds low and your braking controlled, you’ll likely be improving your fuel consumption before you know it.
Use cruise control
On most modern cars, there is the option of cruise control. This sets your car to a certain speed and allows you to remove your foot from the accelerator while your car continues to cruise at the set speed until you brake. Not only does this help you stick to the legal speed limit on a long stretch of road, but it also allows you to monitor your fuel consumption, too – decreasing your need for acceleration and braking.
Tyres
It’s important to remember the impact that tyre pressure can have on your fuel economy. If your tyres are underinflated, your engine will be using more energy to push them round. Find out the benefits of correctly inflated tyres and how to check your tyre pressure today.
Perhaps your tyres are almost worn? Ensure you have the best tyres on the road to allow your vehicle to perform to its maximum potential – find car tyres to buy online now.
Shop around
It’s no secret that some locations have higher petrol prices than others – so it can’t hurt to make sure you’re getting the best price in your area! It may also be worth looking into supermarket schemes – it’s not uncommon for supermarkets to award points against your spend to redeem at the local petrol pump.
Refuel in the morning
A top tip that not many people know is that the best time to refuel your vehicle is first thing in the morning. Why? This is because petrol stations’ storage tanks are deep underground. While the ground is relatively cold, the petrol is dense – but as the day goes on, the petrol temperature rises and expands. Essentially, filling up when the petrol is cooler will mean you’ll get more for your money – as when the petrol has expanded, it may appear to be the same measurement of petrol at first, but once it cools down, it will actually be less.
Basic maintenance
It’s important to remember that regular servicing and maintenance of your vehicle is one of the most effective ways to improve your petrol consumption. Whether it’s replacing a spark filter or your engine oil – regular maintenance will ensure your vehicle is performing to the best of its ability, and that accounts for its fuel consumption, too.
At Formula One Autocentres, you can choose between a Full Car Service or a Interim Car Service – find out which car service is the right choice for your vehicle now.
Lighten the load
Carrying unnecessary bags or items in your boot? Removing any extra weight from your vehicle can significantly improve fuel consumption. It’s also something to bear in mind if you have a long journey ahead of you with a car full of passengers and luggage that you may use more fuel than you would do ordinarily on any other journey.
Fill up halfway
A top tip when you’re wondering how to reduce fuel consumption – fill your tank up half full. Why? Again, it comes down to the weight of the vehicle. Driving around with a full tank can often burn more fuel due to the added weight, so it could be more cost beneficial to only fill it up halfway each time.
Air Conditioning
It’s common knowledge that using our air conditioning increases petrol consumption – especially if you’re sat stuck in traffic. Be aware of this when you’re not moving, or you’ve been in the car for a long time – open the windows if possible when you’re driving at lower speeds. However, it’s important to note that opening the windows at high speeds can increase the drag of the vehicle – so in this case, on a warm day, it’s best to crank up the air conditioning instead of opening the windows.
Still looking for ways to improve fuel consumption of your vehicle? Book in for your car service now with Formula One Autocentres or explore our wide selection of tyres to buy online from leading manufacturers.
