Advice On How To Save Fuel

Friday, 20. June 2008

With fuel prices constantly hitting record highs Peter Hollinshead, head of vehicle finance at HSBC Bank, has provided the following advice to motorists and companies in order to try to contain the soaring fuel costs.

Is the journey necessary? It could be that meetings can be carried out via video conferencing or webinar – a web based seminar or presentation.
If the journey is unavoidable work out the shortest route to the destination before leaving.
Check there are no delays or roadworks on the chosen route. Live traffic information is available at www.highways.gov.uk
Try and minimise the use of air conditioning. Constant use can increase consumption by around 10%
Look at accessories fitted to the car – roof racks and similar items increase drag. They can also affect fuel consumption by 10%. It could be more cost effective to choose a larger vehicle in the first place if you have a lot to carry.
Keep to speed limits. Not only will you be safer and preserve your licence but also driving at 85mph on the motorway uses 20% more fuel than driving at 70mph.
If you drive a 4×4 switch off four wheel drive when on the road as doing so will use less fuel.
Check the condition of the tyres daily and check the pressure every week. Make sure that pressures are as recommended by the manufacturer. Under inflated tyres can add 8% to fuel consumption.
Remove unnecessary weight from the vehicle. Having the boot full of odds and ends means the engine has to work harder to ferry it all around.
Service the vehicle regularly, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A well maintained vehicle will be more fuel efficient.
Check the oil regularly.
Check the fitment of the fuel filler cap. Make sure it fits snugly to avoid fuel evaporation.
Choose the latest vehicle you can afford. Manufacturers are legally committed to reach certain low emission targets so new developments are being released all the time so the newer the car the more fuel efficient it is likely to be.(this one I added to the list).