Lighten the Load to Make Your Fuel Go Further

Motorists have been told how to squeeze as many miles out of their tanks as possible amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Price comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk have offered car owners advice on making their fuel go further by making simple adjustments to their driving habits.

While fuel prices have stabilised, living costs remain at record highs, so improving fuel efficiency is an excellent way to help stretch the household budget.

Motorists should avoid expensive petrol stations and search for the lowest prices.

Checking online for the cheaper local petrol stations and including them as part of an upcoming journey will help keep expenditure on fuel to a minimum.

The main contributor to fuel consumption aside from the distance travelled is speed, as faster driving uses energy inefficiently – the optimal fuel-efficient speed for most cars is 45-50 mph.

The heavier the car, the more fuel the engine will need to travel at the same speed as a lighter vehicle, so taking the golf clubs out of the boot and not filling the tank to the brim will help fuel go further.

Greg Wilson, Founder of car insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Frugal drivers can get the maximum mileage from the fuel tank by incorporating money-saving driving techniques into their everyday journeys. Eco-driving can significantly impact how much money you spend at the petrol pump.

“Besides choosing the cheapest petrol station and the right speed, several other simple tricks can help you make fuel go further, including decluttering the boot and checking tyre pressure.”

Here are the top eight fuel-saving tips from the team, available at Quotezone.co.uk:

1. Remove Excess Weight

The heavier the car, the more complex the engine works, resulting in higher fuel consumption. Make sure to declutter your car and clear out the boot to reduce some weight.

2. Regular Maintenance

Keeping the car in good condition ensures that the vehicle runs efficiently, which also helps fuel economy. It may be costly to service the vehicle, but it can save you a lot of money in the long run.

3. Drive Smoothly

Sudden braking and speeding up burns more fuel, so gauging the traffic flow is essential. Gentle acceleration and steady speed ensure the most economical use of energy.

4. Change Gears as Early as Possible

Switching into the highest possible gear keeps the revs low, which saves petrol. For example, at a 40 mph speed, the car will consume 25 per cent more fuel in third gear compared to fifth. Under normal conditions, the bags should change when the revs are 1,500-2,000 rpm.

5. Check Tyre Pressure

It’s essential to ensure that the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure because underinflated tyres create more rolling resistance, so the engine has to work harder. The car can consume 5% more fuel for every 0.5 bar drop in pressure.

6. Avoid Idling

Drivers shouldn’t leave the engine running while stopped because it harms the environment and wastes fuel. Switching off the engine when the car is stationary for a few minutes is worth it.

7. Turn Off Additional Functions

The vehicle’s add-on functions, like air conditioning and seat heaters, should only be used when necessary, as they drain the car’s battery and the petrol tank.

8. Don’t Fill the Tank to the Brim

Fuel is heavy, so if the tank is filled to the top, then there is the more unnecessary weight that the car has to carry.

To find car insurance to make your money go further, visit the comparison on Quotezone.co.uk. Van insurance and motorbike insurance are also available.