HOW TO MAXIMISE YOUR FUEL

STEP 1: BEFORE YOU DRIVE

Tune and service your engine

– A well-tuned engine can improve fuel economy so change your oil and
follow your car manufacturer’s recommendations on servicing.

Keep your tyres at the right pressure

– Correctly inflated tyres are safer and last longer. A tyre that is
under inflated by just 1 psi can already reduce fuel efficiency. An under
or over inflated tyre is also more vulnerable.

Avoid carrying excess weight

– Every extra weight you carry can reduce your fuel efficiency. So keep
your boot or back seat clear of unnecessary items that just add weight to
your vehicle.

Take the roof rack off

– If you’re not using your roof rack then remove it. They affect
the aerodynamic efficiency of your engine and create drag, reducing fuel economy.

Use the correct oil

– Always use the recommended grade of motor oil. Using the manufacturer’s
recommended lubricant can improve fuel efficiency. Higher quality motor oils
can also help your engine operate more efficiently.

STEP 2: WHILE DRIVING

Drive smoothly

– Aggressive driving can use as much as a third more fuel than safe
driving. Avoid accelerating or braking too hard and try to keep your steering
as smooth as possible

Avoid over-revving

– The higher gear you drive in the lower your engine speed is, which
can improve fuel efficiency. So change up a gear whenever you can, without
labouring the engine.

Use cruise control

– Using cruise control on major roads helps you maintain a constant
speed and, in many cases, will improve fuel consumption

Avoid excess idling

– Idling gets you nowhere but still burns fuel. Turn the engine off
when you’re in a queue, or waiting for someone, until you need it.

Use air-conditioning sparingly

– Air-conditioning puts added strain on the engine. Try to limit its
use to particularly hot or cold days and on temperate days just use the fan.
Alternatively you can wind down the window. Whilst you will lose some fuel
efficiency through aerodynamics it is still far more economical than using
the air-conditioner.