How to reduce your high fuel consumption

With the average cost of fuel now up to 18p per mile, being aware of consumption is becoming more important than ever. Fortunately, there are some easy tips you can use to get the most out of your tank.

Wheel alignment checks

Correct wheel alignment is beneficial both from a safety and fuel efficiency point of view. It is recommended that you check the alignment of your tyres every year to prevent uneven wear from damaging your tyres and degrading performance. Having uneven wear can generate extra rolling resistance on the tyres, meaning more energy is required to drive them forward, increasing fuel consumption. To learn more about the causes of uneven wear you can find a detailed breakdown here.

Incorrect tyre pressure

Tyres which are underinflated can have a higher rolling resistance on the road. While it is not only recommended to maintain a safe PSI for other safety reasons, underinflated tyres will also generate increased friction, leading to issues such as uneven wear. Even as little as 10psi could increase the petrol usage of your car by up to 10%. For more information on your tyre pressure consult your manual or use our handy dealer locator to contact an expert.

Check the EU Tyre Label

Tyres are responsible for a fifth of your fuel consumption, so it’s important to assess which products provide the best efficiency scores when making a new tyre purchase. Every new tyre manufactured after 2021 now comes with an EU Tyre label which highlights the fuel efficiency rating of the tyre, allowing you to make an informed choice when purchasing. Rolling resistance is an indicator of the tyre’s energy efficiency which directly impacts fuel consumption, with ratings from A (most efficient) to F (least efficient). However, it should be noted that different types of tyres such as Winter or All-terrain will have slightly different performance levels when compared to a summer tyre, as the tread pattern will be designed for different purposes. You can learn more about EU Tyre labels by clicking here.

It’s important to be aware that the age of your tyres can also be a factor in how much you spend on fuel. The older the tyre, the less efficient it is likely to be. When the tread pattern becomes worn, the drag increases which puts a strain on the vehicle.

Lighten the weight in your car

The heavier your vehicle, the more energy will be needed to keep it moving on the road. Often we use our cars as extra storage space, but the additional load can lead to unnecessary fuel consumption – potentially an extra 2% depending on the size of your car and boot. So it’s wise to only carry the most essential items when travelling. Roof racks and roof boxes can also make a significant difference, so if you need to transport the bikes for an afternoon of adventure, remember to remove the charity donation bag from the boot before you set off.

Plan for a more efficient route

Finding the best route for your journey is easier than ever, and it can save you on fuel. A lot of modern sat nav systems now include eco-routing, to help you get to where you need to be in the most economical way. Navigation apps such as Google Maps feature enhanced eco-routing journeys to save on the cost of your journey while lowering your car’s environmental footprint.

Don’t stay idle for long

The best way to save money on fuel is to actually keep moving where possible. Sitting in traffic with your engine running for long periods of time can not only increase your fuel consumption but also the wear on your engine. It’s recommended to shut off your engine when waiting for periods longer than 60 seconds, otherwise, you will waste fuel. Fortunately, many modern cars enable a stop/start system in traffic to help. More information on this can be seen here.

As winter approaches over the next few months, it’s also worth remembering that leaving your car running to warm up on icy mornings is guaranteed to use up fuel.

Using your car’s Eco mode

Many modern cars now come with driving modes that allow you to get more out of your engine, including eco-mode. This mode re-programmes your engine to be less aggressive, minimising the amount of energy required, and so consuming less fuel. Depending on the age of your vehicle and brand, eco-mode performance can vary when it comes to acceleration and gear changes.

Take advantage of cruise control

When driving on flat surfaces such as a motorway you can utilise your car’s cruise control. This keeps your driving steady and consistent, preventing the use of additional fuel from constant changes in speed and pressing pedals down. However, it is not recommended to use cruise control in residential areas or on narrow roads, where it is more difficult to manage a constant speed over varying gradients.

For more advice on how to conserve fuel and get the most out of your tank, contact your nearest Davanti dealer.