How to drive more fuel efficiently

With petrol prices up again this week, motorists could benefit from driving more fuel efficiently if they need to get behind the wheel for essential journeys during lockdown.

Petrol prices have crept back up to their highest levels since they first dropped following last March’s lockdown, according to the Ageas Insurance fuel price tracker.

Ageas, one of the UK’s largest car insurers, has been tracking the official pump price of petrol and diesel since last year.

This week (Jan 25) petrol crept up to 118.1p per litre, up nearly 3p compared to the price on January 4, and diesel rose to 122.7p per litre.

In fact, in the last month, diesel has gone over 120p per litre for the first time since last March, when the first national lockdown was put in place.

While most motorists are driving less due to the latest lockdown restrictions, it does mean any essential journeys such as key worker commutes or trips to the supermarket will be more expensive.

Ageas says there are steps people can take to make their fuel go a little further and has shared its tips for more fuel efficient driving. Even on short trips, there are ways of driving more efficiently and reducing the amount of petrol or diesel used on each journey.

 

Ditch the weight

The heavier your car, the harder it has to work to speed up or slow down. So take out any weighty items that you don’t really need.

Reduce drag

Similarly, your car will have to work harder against unnecessary wind resistance. So remove roof boxes or bike racks if you’re not using them.

Basic maintenance

Take the time to keep your car well maintained. Crucially for fuel-efficient driving, this includes keeping your tyre pressure up to reduce resistance.

Go up a gear

Change to a higher gear as soon as its possible and safe to do so.

Read the road

This means looking far ahead and anticipating obstacles or changes in gradient. That way, you can ease off the throttle rather than slamming your foot on the brakes.

Slow down

Your fuel costs will increase the faster you drive, so keep speeds reasonable.

Accelerate gently

The harder you accelerate, the more fuel you burn through.

Keep your speed steady

On the motorway, this might mean using cruise control. But be advised that cruise control only aids fuel economy when driving on a constant flat surface. Remember, you must remain in control of your vehicle at all times. Even if you’re using driver assistance systems, you are responsible for your vehicle.