Fuel Economy
If
I start talking about running a cheap car, some will
quickly assume I drive some poorly constructed rustbox which would
cheaper to
replace than repair. Well, some might argue that is true. But as we’ve
all
noticed, there’s a credit crunch which is making ends a little bit
harder to
meet. And it is affecting us all, even if we don’t want to admit it.
So, families with a car or two will probably look at their beloved motor and wonder if they could survive without it. But before you do that, there are some ways to trim down the cost of motoring without making a sacrifice.
Excess Weight
Take
a look in the boot of your car. Whilst there might
be essentials like a spare fuel can, a tyre pump and a road map, what
else are
you carrying? Did you take the empty bottles to the recycling bank? Do
you really need
to carry an “emergency kit” of a torch, repair kit and warm clothing if
you
never leave the confines of large towns? Do you need to keep the snow
chains in
the car during summer?
Excess
weight takes more fuel to constantly carry around.
Over long distances, or long periods of time, this can add to your
car’s fuel
consumption more than you realise.
Always
remove excess weight whenever possible.
Roof Boxes & Roof Rails
Although most families will know that a roof box or a luggage rack on the roof of your car offers a perfect place to store large objects, extra kit or annoying children, they add weight and they compromise the aerodynamics of a car. Now we’re not advocating a boycott of roof-mounted luggage, but if you’re not using it you should always remove it to reduce fuel consumption.
Check Local Fuel Prices
Many
internet sites offer consumers the opportunity to
check fuel prices in a specified area. So, if you need to fill the tank
fully,
it might save you a few pounds (or dollars) to fill up at the next supermarket rather than your usual
filling station where they sell your favourite magazine.
Another trick is if you travel a lot, check fuel prices near work as well as home. The same applies if you’re about to set off on a long journey – maybe driving 10 minutes further will save you a bit more money!
Close The Windows!
By having windows open in your car, the physics of aerodynamics mean your car is slowed down. Although using the air con can sap engine power, it may be the preferred option on hot summer days.
Keep The Engine Revs Low
Keeping the revs of the engine low will reduce fuel consumption. Try and drive in the highest gear your car will allow means the revs will be lower. Most sources suggest 1,200 rpm as an economical rev rate. Also remember that a cold engine is less efficient, so give it a few minutes of easy driving before you open the taps or try to test the 0-60 time.
Avoid The Brakes Where Possible
We’re
not advocating speeding, bear in mind that using
the brakes wastes energy and therefore fuel. As you approach a red
light,
simply ease off the gas and allow the car to slow down naturally.
Manufacturers
such as BMW and Audi have in recent years
introduced their own versions of “regenerative braking” systems.
Essentially,
when you use the foot brake, an electronic system uses some of the
energy
expended to generate electricity which is then fed back into the car.
As hybrid
engine vehicles become more popular this system is likely to become
standard in
electrically-propelled cars.
Over Hill & Down Dale
When
driving, be sure to note the lie of the land. Trying
to accelerate when driving uphill
will use more fuel than accelerating on the straight and level. If your
car is
going uphill, try and maintain the same speed and if you need to
accelerate do
this when going downhill (be careful) or are on a level road.
Tyre Pressures
Keeping
tyres at the recommended
pressure will help fuel economy as well as safety. If the pressure is
too low
the tyre footprint (the amount of tyre on contact with the road at any
given
moment) will be more than expected and the extra friction will need
more engine
power to counteract.
Bear
in mind that if tyre pressure
is too high there will be a reduced tyre footprint and therefore less
grip,
which is a safety issue.