With colder weather setting in, drivers are being advised on how they can improve their fuel economy and save money. The motoring experts at LeaseLoco.com are warning that cold weather can reduce car efficiency, forcing them to work harder.
They’re also sharing simple ways motorists can get more miles out of their tanks this winter by using stop-start features, regularly checking tyre pressure, and driving in the correct gears.
As temperatures drop below 10°C, cars use more energy to heat their engines, which can increase fuel consumption and reduce overall vehicle efficiency.
Tyre pressure also drops in the cold, and if this goes unnoticed, it forces engines to work much harder to get the car moving.
Drivers can improve efficiency and get the most out of their fuel by reducing excess weight in the car, combining short trips and driving smoothly, all of which help keep fuel consumption lower.
John Wilmot, CEO and founder of car leasing deals comparison site LeaseLoco said: “In autumn and winter, our cars have to work harder in the cold, which means we tend to use more fuel at this time of year.
“One of the main reasons is that engines take longer to heat up. Until your car has been running for a few minutes, a cold engine burns fuel less efficiently.
“Try to plan and combine shorter journeys where possible. Keeping your engine warm between trips means fewer cold starts and better overall fuel efficiency.
“There are a few other things drivers can be doing to improve their fuel efficiency and ultimately save money throughout the winter.
“Make sure you’re driving as smoothly as possible, avoiding harsh acceleration or braking, which can also waste energy. Avoid driving in too low a gear, as revving the car puts unnecessary strain on the engine.
“If you have a modern car, then it’s important to be making use of your stop-start feature. This helps your car run much more efficiently by turning off the engine when you’re stationary and restarting once you move.”
Seven Ways to Improve Fuel Economy this Winter
- Combine Short Trips
When engines are cold, cars use more fuel to heat them, and once they are warm, they run much more efficiently. Try to limit the number of cold starts your car has by planning your journeys and combining short trips.
2. Avoid Unnecessary Idling
Leaving the engine running while parked wastes fuel and produces unnecessary emissions. Modern cars warm up faster when driven gently, so it’s more efficient to start moving. And when in traffic, make use of the start-stop feature to save energy.
3. Drive Smoothly
Avoid harsh acceleration and braking, as both can waste energy. Aim to accelerate gradually and maintain steady speeds to improve efficiency.
4. Use the Correct Gears
If driving a manual, use the correct gears while driving and switch to higher gears as early as possible. Driving in lower gears makes the engine rev and work harder unnecessarily.
5. Keep an Eye on Heaters
Heating and air conditioning both draw power from the engine, so be mindful not to overuse them. Heat your car, and once it’s comfortable, turn the heating off rather than keep it running.
6. Regularly Check Tyre Pressure
Cold weather can lower tyre pressure, and underflated tyres force the engine to work harder and use more fuel. Tyre pressure should be checked at least once a month and before any long journeys, especially in the winter.
7. Reduce Weight
If you have unnecessary items in your car or boot, then consider taking them out. Extra weight in the vehicle only makes your engine work harder.
LeaseLoco is the UK’s biggest car lease comparison website, making it super quick and easy for drivers to filter and compare millions of cheap car lease deals from the UK’s top providers, helping them find the best option that suits their needs.
Comments are closed.