In the last few months, the price of fuel has skyrocketed. According to the RAC, on the 1st July 2022, the average price of unleaded fuel in the UK was 191.43p and the average price of diesel fuel was 199.07p. Although the current price is expected to fall, people are looking for alternatives and ways to save fuel.
Here are a few tips and tricks to help save on fuel costs and make your car more fuel efficient.
8 Tips To Help You Save Fuel
1. Keep Your Car Maintained
Keeping your car in the best condition can help to improve its fuel efficiency. Although the yearly MOT can help, there are a few other simple maintenance jobs that can help improve the efficiency even more.
- Make sure that your tyres are pumped up with the correct pressure. If you're not sure what PSI your tires need, this can be found in the handbook or a sticker on the inside of the door.
- Make sure that there is the right amount of oil. Once the engine is cool, dipstick the oil level and top up if needed.
2. The Right Gear
Being in the correct gear for your speed can massively increase your mpg. Don’t over-rev your car but don’t be in too high of a gear for your speed. Petrol cars should be changed up a gear at 1500 to 2500 RPM. A diesel car should be changed up a gear at 1300 to 2000 RPM. Smooth acceleration and deceleration can also impact your MPG.
3. Climate Control
Having your air conditioning or heating on in your car can have an effect on your miles per gallon. When driving at a slow speed, open your window rather than having your air conditioning on. When it’s colders, dress warmly rather than having the heating on.
4. Cruise Control
If your car has it, turn on the cruise control. By turning on the cruise control, not only are you adhering to the speed limit, you're actually saving yourself fuel. According to Evans Halshaw, by only travelling 10mph above the national speed limit, you are using 10% more fuel.
5. Weight
Lighten up the load in your can, remove any unnecessary items and remove the roof rack if you don’t use it all that often. Anything from spear shoes to bikes are adding weight and decreasing your MPG. Even the weight of fuel decreases your MPG. According to Cinch, you could save 1% of your consumption when you only half fill your car.
6. Automatic Stop/Start
If your car has it, turn on the automatic stop/start. According to Car.co.uk, people in the UK spend more than 28 hours every year in stationary traffic. If you are based in London, this is increased to 74+ hours. Having the automatic stop/start turned on cuts off the engine when the car is stopped and restarts when the brake is released or the clutch is pressed. This can help to save fuel and also help to reduce emissions.
7. Parking
When parking, pulling forward into a parking space can actually improve your fuel economy as this avoids manoeuvres.
8. Momentum
When at a set of lights that are just about to change or at a roundabout with a clear space, try and keep rolling where possible. If you have ever tried to push a car, you’ll remember how difficult it is. It’s similar for the engine. Continuing to roll allows your engine to work not as hard, improving your MPG.
5 Cars With High Fuel Economy
Although buying a new used car isn’t exactly the cheapest option, this can help you save money in the long run. Here are 5 cars with great fuel economy.
Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI SE Technology
MPG: 68.2
The Skoda Octavia is a great all-around-car. Great for just nipping into town or trips on the motorway, the Octavia is a smooth and enjoyable drive and can also be a good choice for towing. With plenty of room and low running costs, the Octavia is a great option.
Peugeot 208 1.5 BlueHDi Active
MPG: 73.6
The Peugeot 208 is a small hatchback with a low running cost. Updated in 2019, the 208 has a futuristic looking interior and a new exterior look compared to the previous models. All Peugeot 208s have great fuel-efficiency and good acceleration.
Citroen C3 1.5 BlueHDi Shine Plus
MPG: 70.6
The Citroen C3 is a five-door hatchback with a modern look. The C3 is easy to drive and great for both the motorway or just nipping to the supermarket. Designed for the tight Parisian streets, the C3 is a compact car with plenty of room.
Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCi ECOnetic
MPG: 85.6
The Ford Fiesta is a small hatchback that is highly rated. The Fiesta is fantastic to drive, great value and a practical car that suits a range of needs. Available as a three-door, five-door, manual or automatic, choose a Fiesta that matches your driving style.
Volvo V40 D2 SE
MPG: 78.5
The Volvo V40 is a classy car that is practical. The V40 is fun to drive and is available with a range of petrol or diesel engines. The suspension makes going over any road surfaces smooth and the combination of performance and efficiency is a perfect mix.
And there you have it, 8 tips & tricks to help you save fuel and 5 cars with high fuel economy. Interested in buying one of these cars? Check out our range of used cars at Cargiant! For more tips and tricks, check out our blog page or give us a follow on Instagram and Facebook.