The rise in fuel prices over the first half of 2022 has meant that people have become increasingly aware of how they drive. Efficient driving is key to saving fuel. And to drive efficiently, you need to press the accelerator as little and as softly as possible.
Those who push 70mph on the dual carriage way are now dropping down to 60mph, those who usually put their foot down when the traffic lights turn green are cruising away slowly, and many are reading the road well ahead to avoid braking and then accelerating.
In fact, there’s a term for this style of driving. It’s called hypermiling.
Hypermiling is all about planning ahead. Hypermilers will take the most direct route that includes the least amount of stops and starts. They’ll make their journey when there’s less traffic on the road, and try to retain momentum by looking ahead at all times to judge their speed as they approach new sections on the road.
They’ll also ensure they consider the following factors before making a journey.
The best ways to use less fuel while driving are:
From a child’s buggy to a tool box, take anything out of the boot or off the backseats that you don’t need for the journey you’re taking.
Roof boxes and bike racks make your car less aerodynamic, increasing drag – and as a result – your fuel usage. Remove these if you have no need for them.
If your tyres are too low, there’s more road resistance. Making sure your types are pumped up to the recommended pressure will ensure your car travels over the road as smoothly as possible. That includes adjusting the pressure in line with the weight of your car. For example, five passengers and suitcases will require a higher tyre pressure than just a single person in the car.
Has the service light come on? If so, it could be worth checking your car into a garage for a once-over. A deeper dive into the engine and mechanics may bring up some issues that could be causing you to use more fuel than you should be.
Air con can be a drain on your fuel tank, so wind the windows down and feel the fresh breeze instead. If it’s feeling a little chilly, put an extra layer on, rather than turning on your heater.
Servicing your car is one of the best ways to improve your MPG and drive your car more efficiently. Here at Sunrise Service and MOT, we’ll check spark plugs, oil levels, engine filters, tyre pressure, and more to ensure your car isn’t using any more fuel than it needs to. To book your car into the Sunrise garage, give us a call today on 01258 459 798.