How to drive more economically.

Learning how to drive more economically is becoming increasingly important for car owners given the current economic and political climate. Fuel prices have risen to an all time high but bar opting to drive less, there are a few things you can do to make sure you get the most out of your fuel miles.

The first thing to do is to make sure you fill up where the fuel is cheapest. Check local garages or look at comparison sites online. Some supermarket chains give out vouchers with your grocery shopping. Make sure you use them. Then while at the station fuelling up also check you tyre pressure. Under- inflated tyres create more rolling resistance so use more fuel. Then look into what you have inside your car and try and lose some weight as extra weight means extra fuel consumption. Get rid of all unnecessary stuff in the trunk or unused roof racks. Roof racks also create wind resistance which again increases fuel consumption.

Then once you’re off drive as smoothly as possible as unnecessary breaking or acceleration burns fuel. Also make sure to change gears without labouring the engine too much. The advice is to change up at around 2000 rpm in a diesel car and 2500 rpm in a petrol car. In addition turn of the air-con as this uses fuel too – on a warm day just roll down the window instead. Also turn off any electrical equipment like your heated rear windows or seats. Finally stick to the speed limits and follow the flow of the traffic. Cruising at 80 mph apparently burns 25 % more fuel than cruising at 70 mph.

Combine all these tips with making sure you’re car is in sound mechanical working order and you should be able to reduce your overall fuel bill. And this is true whether the car you own is brand new Volvo or a used Dodge.