Top Ten Tips To Reduce Your Fuel Bill

[JappyBeast]

An email circulating around work at the moment, its pretty obvious stuff but it you are feeling the pinch with fuel prices it can help!

**not sure about the smooth accelaration part tho!

TOP TEN TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR FUEL BILL

As you will be aware from the news and the last time you filled up your car at a petrol station, the cost of fuel is at an all time high, and is expected to rise further.

With this in mind, we’ve put together some tips on how you can keep your fuel costs to a minimum.

OUR TOP TEN TIPS:

1) Find cheaper fuel – Visit www.petrolprices.com to find the cheapest fuel in your area. The website lists the most up to date prices for nearly 10,000 UK forecourts. Simply put in your postcode and find the cheapest unleaded or diesel.

2) Keep your vehicle in good shape – Service your vehicle regularly in conjunction with the manufacturers recommended service schedule, as detailed in the vehicle handbook. A regularly serviced car will be more efficient on fuel. Only use the recommended fuel and oil for your vehicle for the best fuel efficiency as specified in your vehicle handbook.

3) Check your engine revs – Accelerate gradually without over-revving. Speed up smoothly; when you press harder on the accelerator more fuel flows, but you can reach the same speed using much less power – a good rule is to try to change up a gear before 2,500rpm (petrol) and 2,000 (diesel).

4) Anticipate road conditions to drive more efficiently – Drive smoothly, avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy braking. This saves fuel and reduces accident rates. Drive off as soon as you start up and switch off the engine as soon as you reach your destination. Switch off the engine if you are going to be at a standstill for a reasonable amount of time, for example when stuck in stationary traffic or at a level crossing.

5) Turn off the air con – Air conditioning can also increase fuel consumption, so make sure it is turned off unless you really need it. The same applies to climate control, although this does not use as much fuel as manual air conditioning systems.

6) Stick to the speed limits – The most efficient speed depends the vehicle in question but it is typically around 55-65mph. Faster speeds will greatly increase your fuel consumption. When you are driving on motorways, stick to the speed limit.

7) Remove accessories – Such as roof racks, bike carriers, and roof boxes which significantly affect your car’s aerodynamics and reduce fuel efficiency, so remember to remove them when not in use. The lighter you car is, the less effort it needs to accelerate. A Roof Rack, even unused, adds massive wind resistance to a car, increasing drag and making the engine work harder. Keep windows and sunroofs shut when driving on motorways, and don’t carry unnecessary items in your vehicle.

8) Avoid unnecessary journeys – For short journeys, leaving the car behind and walking or cycling will benefit your health as well as the environment. A cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel, and catalytic converters can take up to five miles to become effective. Car-sharing is also something to consider, as it not only saves money, but eases road congestion. Consider whether a video or teleconference could substitute that business meeting miles from the office.

9) Journey planning – Look at the routes you frequently take and assess whether there are less congested roads you could use. They might add miles to your journey but, if they cut out the stop-start motoring, it could be more efficient.

10) Check your tyre pressure regularly – Under-inflated tyres are not only dangerous and increase wear, but can also increase fuel consumption, so regularly check your tyres are inflated to the correct pressures as detailed in your vehicle handbook.

[Kev Mc]

Basically, drive like a boring old biddy to reduce fuel costs or drive with a smile on your face & spend a few quid extra for the privilege.It's a no brainer for me.

Accelerate gradually, stick to the speed limits? Nah, I'll pass

[T600]

I don't think those suggestions should be dismissed so quickly.

For example, unless you're very lucky you probably spend most of your time in heavy traffic with few opportunities to overtake; in which case you might as well do your best to conserve your fuel. I see so many people driving closely behind other cars and using their brakes every few seconds just because they're not giving themselves space to speed up and slow down without braking. These people aren't getting anywhere any faster, but they're wearing out their brakes and wasting fuel without making any better progress than someone who uses good acceleration sense.

I'm all for making rapid progress when traffic and other conditions allow, but there are so few open, empty roads where you can safely have fun these days.

Fortunately the increasing price of fuel will soon drive everyone off the roads, so there'll lots more opportunities for faster driving in the future. ;)