Volvo Car Leasing
Our top ten driver tips to reduce fuel bills
We’ve put together some tips for your drivers on how to keep their fuel costs to a minimum. Remember, a fuel-efficient vehicle is also a more environmentally-friendly one
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, diesel, LPG and other fuels nearest to your postcode.
2. Keep your vehicle in good shape
Service your vehicle regularly in conjunction with the vehicle handbook. A regularly serviced car will be more efficient on fuel. Only use the recommended fuel and oil for your vehicle for best fuel efficiency as specified in your vehicle handbook.
3. Don’t over-rev your engine
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 2,000rpm (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’re going to be at a standstill for a reasonable amount of time, for example, when stuck in stationary traffic.
5. Stick to the speed limits
The most efficient speed depends upon the vehicle in question but is typically around 55 - 65mph. Faster speeds will greatly increase your fuel consumption. When you’re driving on motorways, stick to the speed limit.
6. 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 your car is, the less effort it needs to accelerate. A roof rack, even unused, adds wind resistance to a car, increasing drag and making the engine work harder. Keep windows and the sunroof shut when driving on motorways, and don’t carry unnecessary items in your vehicle, including in the boot.
7. Avoid unnecessary journeys
For short journeys, leaving the car behind and walking or cycling will benefit your wallet, as well your health and the environment. A cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel, and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective, so consider whether you need to drive in the first place. Car-sharing is something else to consider, as it not only saves money, but eases road congestion. Consider whether a video or teleconference could be substituted for that business meeting miles from the office.
8. Journey planning
Use satellite navigation to plan your route, avoiding congestion, road works and taking wrong turns. If you don’t have access to a satellite navigation system, look on the internet for route planning and traffic information before you set off. 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 stop-start motoring, it could save you money.
9. Check your tyre pressures 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 listed in your vehicle handbook. On most modern cars, the tyre pressures are stated on the inside of the fuel flap or inside the driver door
10. Turn off the air conditioner
Air conditioning can also increase fuel consumption, so make sure it’s 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.
Our top ten tips to reduce your fuel bill.
1. Find cheaper fuel
2. Keep your vehicle in good shape
3. Don’t over-rev your engine
4. Anticipate road conditions to drive more efficiently
5. Stick to the speed limits
6. Remove accessories
7. Avoid unnecessary journeys
8. Journey planning
9. Check your tyre pressures regularly
10. Turn off the air conditioner
Online information
RAC route planner - www.rac.co.uk/route-planner
BBC traffic and travel - www.bbc.co.uk/travelnews
The Highways Agency live traffic information - www.trafficengland.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 0344 879 6333
OR CONTACT THE VOLVO CAR BUSINESS CENTRE
ON 0345 600 4027
[email protected]