How You Can Save Fuel
Monday, 14. December 2009
Many large companies now use telematics to assess the efficiency of their drivers, understand how they drive and whether they take the most efficient route when they are out on their travels. Telematics is a sort of extended Tracker system that not only plots the route of the driver but also records all sorts of other data such as speed, acceleration, braking, fuel consumption etc. The fact is that with so much data available from companies running this technology it is possible to identify common failings and ways that all drivers could save fuel. Common problems are fast acceleration and braking, taking unnecessarily long routes and idling. Surveys have shown that drivers don’t tend to shop around for the cheapest fuel. In fact in a survey carried out by Lex Autolease 51% never or only occasionally shop for fuel. Whilst more than 10% fill up with the most expensive fuel available. Video conferencing should be used more. One company, Amey, held 231 video conferences over the first 14 months saving £167,000 in fuel bills, rail and air costs and unproductive travel time. Lex Autolease have suggested the following to help drivers to save money:
Efficient Driving: Changing gear at around 2,000 rpm reduces fuel use.
Read The Road: Anticipate the hazards to avoid heavy braking.
Cut The Air Conditioning: It can knock up to 3mpg off your fuel consumption
Get Going Quickly: Drive away soon after you have started the engine, but accelerate briskly and not aggressively. G’s note: I remember reading somewhere that an examination took place into the amount of fuel that could be saved if you got in the car, put on the safety belt then started the engine as opposed to get in the car, start the engine and then put on belt, I recall that is was a significant amount.
Aerodynamics: Fit roof racks and boxes only when necessary.
Speed: Travelling at 65mph rather than 70mph can reduce fuel consumptionand CO2 emissions by up to 25%
Journey Planner: Going the long way round, getting lost and running into roadworks can increase your journey considerably.
Tyres: Under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by 3%.
Vehicle Condition: A regularly serviced vehicle will be more fuel efficient as well as safer.
By Graham Hill
