Motorists may have been heartened this month by the reduction in petrol prices, but road safety charity and award-winning breakdown cover company, GEM Motoring Assist is outlining the importance of fuel efficient driving all year round. No matter what the current cost of fuel may be, it is crucial to follow fuel efficient driving measures at all times, says GEM.
GEM is encouraging easy-to-make changes, such as reducing average speed, regularly checking tyre pressures, and removing any unnecessary weight from the car, all to significantly reduce fuel usage. With actions that, in some cases, can help prevent up to a 50 per cent reduction in fuel wastage, GEM’s guide offers small changes that could make a big difference.
David Williams MBE, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist comments: “We believe that there are simple yet effective steps for motorists to ensure that the fuel they pay for goes as far as possible. Even as petrol prices aren’t currently on the rise, it is always good practice to follow fuel efficient driving and get the most out of a car’s fuel tank.”
GEM’s top tips for fuel efficient driving:
1. Engine efficiency: get your car serviced regularly by a recognised garage to avoid a poorly tuned engine, which can use up to 50 per cent more fuel than a car that is well looked after
2. Tyre tread: at least every month, check that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. If not, even with just one tyre deflated by 20 per cent, fuel consumption could rise by five per cent
3. Lose weight: for every one per cent of the car’s weight that you add, fuel consumption could rise by one per cent, so take out anything that you don’t need in the car (golf clubs, push chairs, tool boxes etc.)
4. Eliminate short journeys: cold engines are thirsty engines, so really short journeys will be relatively expensive if driving just a short distance. Opt to walk, or even cycle
5. Plan ahead: plan your journey to avoid road works, or getting lost, which causes an estimated 350,000 tons of fuel wastage each year
6. Slow down: most cars run at their most efficient at approximately 60 mph, and for every five mph above that you drive, you will lose six per cent of your fuel economy. Slow down to save money
7. Air con: if not needed, switch the air con in your car off to reduce demand on the engine. However, ensure that it is on for several minutes at least every couple of weeks to prevent a build up of harmful bacteria in the system
8. Exploring for fuel: don’t go out of your way to make a saving, as you could spend more on getting to a cheaper dealer, so fill up when you are passing, rather than making a separate journey
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