There are several ways to make your car as fuel-efficient as possible
Drivers are being urged to avoid making any ‘unnecessary trips’ to save fuel, and to consider changing their driving style to ‘eco-efficient’, as oil prices rise. The Middle East conflict has driven oil prices above $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022, significantly impacting wholesale fuel costs.
As oil prices rocket, many motorists across the UK are filling up their vehicles more frequently, anticipating that pump prices will follow suit. There are no signs of fuel prices dropping at this stage, so it’s important to know how to get the best possible fuel economy from your car.
AA president Edmund King said: “There will be gradual increases in pump prices, but this shouldn’t happen overnight as fuel has been purchased at previous prices. Our suggestion is that drivers should not change their refuelling habits, but can consider cutting out some non-essential journeys and changing their driving style to conserve fuel.”
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Unleaded is almost certainly going to reach an average of 140p in the next week or so, while diesel looks highly likely to climb to at least 160p a litre. We encourage drivers to continue filling up as normal, but to shop around for the best prices.”
Since the conflict began on February 28, the average price of petrol at UK forecourts has increased by 5p to 137.5p per litre, and diesel has risen by 9p to 151.0p. Historically, oil at $100 a barrel typically correlates with petrol prices around 150p per litre, while oil at $120 a barrel suggests prices closer to 170p per litre.
There are several ways you can improve your car’s economy by doing simple tasks in order to make running a vehicle much more cost-effective. Below is a list of ways, according to the RAC and AA, you can make your car as fuel-efficient as possible.
Give your car a service
By giving your car a major service, you will ensure a clean bill of health, allowing all components to run smoothly and efficiently. An oil and filter change, new spark plugs, pollen filter, and brake fluid can help prolong your vehicle’s life and make it run much cleaner, thanks to the fresh parts installed.
If you’re not confident in working on your own car, a reputable garage can carry out the work for you. A car that has been serviced properly will also be more reliable and less prone to breaking down.
Don’t use the air conditioning unless you have to
Using a car’s air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by putting strain on the engine. Only use the air conditioning on hot days to make driving more comfortable. Some cars feature a ‘driver only’ setting on their air conditioning systems, which is less energy-intensive and won’t affect fuel economy much.
Make sure all of your tyres are pumped up to the correct PSI reading
Always make sure your tyres are inflated to the correct PSI, as underinflated tyres can affect a car’s fuel economy and safety. Driving a car with underinflated tyres uses more fuel, as the engine has to work harder to get the car up to speed.
Car manufacturers usually fit tyre pressure labels in the vehicle’s owner’s manual, in the fuel filler door or in the front door shut. Always inflate the tyres to the car’s correct PSI, as many petrol stations provide air machines to make it easier for you to quickly top up your tyres.
Don’t drive with the windows open
Driving with the car’s windows open can affect fuel economy by creating more drag, so the engine has to work harder to get up to speed. It’s the same with a sunroof open; it also creates drag while driving. During the warmer weather, it’s better not to open your windows and use the car’s fan system to cool you down.
Use the start-stop function in traffic and don’t let the engine idle
Many modern cars now come with a fuel-saving start-stop function that cuts the engine when the vehicle stops at a set of traffic lights. Always use this function and don’t let the engine idle while you’re stationary, as a running engine constantly burns fuel and can affect fuel economy and the environment.
Don’t carry unnecessary weight in the car
Is there anything in your car that you don’t need to carry? If there is, remove it, as the heavier your car, the more fuel it will consume. Have a clear-out of the car’s boot area, glovebox, and even the door bins, as all the extra weight adds up.
If you travel a lot and use a roofbox with roofbars, it’s a good idea to remove them when they’re not in use, as this reduces drag and lets the car’s engine work harder. If you don’t cover many miles, it might be worth not filling your vehicle completely up with fuel and using half a tank as the less fuel in your car will make it lighter, and therefore, more fuel-efficient.
