With the increase in petrol and diesel prices fuelled by the cost of living crisis, car expert and CEO Peter Waddell shared the top cost-effective driving tips to save money
A car guru shared some top tips to help you save cash on petrol.
With fuel prices going up, Peter Waddell, from BigWantsYourCar.com, says using your gears right and driving smoothly can make your petrol go further. Not to mention, there are other things you can do to cut back on your spending.
With the cost of living rising, no one wants to be wasting money where they don’t need to. For this reason, it’s vital not to make silly mistakes when it comes to your car.
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At the moment, petrol prices are “widely different” across the UK, which means you could be unwittingly paying way more than the average. The RAC’s monthly fuel watch revealed that in January, the average price of a litre of unleaded was 140.5p, and diesel cost 148.5p.
This meant a full tank of fuel cost between £77.24 and £81.73. However, there was a 14p difference between the cheapest and most expensive supermarket fuel.
But there are some simple things people can keep an eye on to try and cut the cost of their petrol bills.
Gear usage
Efficient gear usage is a game-changer for fuel efficiency and cost savings. Aim to shift gears as soon as you hit the higher end of the economical rpm band – between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm for petrol, and between 1,300 and 2,000 rpm for diesel.
Consider the importance of driving in the highest possible gear for your vehicle within the speed limit. This technique is a simple yet effective way to boost miles per gallon, and cut down on petrol and diesel expenses.
Acceleration
Avoid aggressive driving habits, such as rapid acceleration and sudden braking, as they can increase fuel consumption by up to 20%. Optimal fuel economy speeds vary among cars – influenced by factors like road conditions, weight and weather.
For optimal fuel efficiency, prioritise smooth acceleration. Change gears quickly with the lowest revs possible.
Remember, the faster the engine spins, the more fuel the vehicle uses.
Avoid over-revving the engine, especially during acceleration. Over-revving leads to increased fuel consumption. Instead, smoothly transition between gears to optimise fuel efficiency.
Using the right gear at the right time is essential for fuel efficiency and cost savings.
Braking
Incorporate energy-efficient driving habits, such as anticipating stops and starts. Smooth deceleration and gentle braking contribute to fuel savings – preventing unnecessary fuel burn during sudden stops.
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