Fuel prices are on the up again, with some parts of the country now face having to pay £2-per-litre, meaning each time we visit the filling station we have to dig a little deeper into our pockets. So what can you do to cut your fuel consumption? In this blog, we explore “hypermiling,” which can help to make your money go further.
Hypermiling is extreme energy efficient driving, where the aim is to squeeze as many miles as you can out of every litre of petrol, with devotees reporting fuel savings of up to 40%.
Rather than spend money buying the most economical car, the idea is to drive your current car in the most economical way. Here are some tips from hypermilers
1. Prepare before you make your journey
Sort out your mirrors, seat belts, sat nav etc before starting the car. Only switch on the engine when you are ready to drive. Think how many minutes you will shave off engine running time by being prepared before starting the car.
2. Don’t carry unnecessary items in your car
The more weight you are carrying the more fuel you’ll be using. Empty out unwanted items from your boot. There are some crazy suggestions around such as removing the back seats from the car, but this may not be entirely practical unless you have a people carrier with easily removable seats that can be slotted back in quickly. You could also trim down the toolbox in the boot leaving just the essentials for emergency roadside repair.
3. Try not to rapidly accelerate or decelerate
Try to drive without rapidly accelerating or decelerating. Think ahead and try to anticipate road conditions. You’ll not only save fuel but you’ll be a safer driver too.
4. Stay within the speed limits
There are many factors at work here but most sources agree that the faster you go the more fuel you use. Driving slower also reduces emissions according to Dutch researchers. If you keep within the speed limits you won’t be running the risk of fines and getting points on your licence either.
5. Keep your tyres inflated at the right pressure
Make sure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption as there is more drag on the road. It may impair the car’s handling too. There are now manufacturers claiming to produce energy saving tyres.
6. Stick to a half tank of petrol
You don’t always have to “fill her up”, your car will run far more economically if you only have half a tank of petrol because it will be much lighter. With that in mind, only fuel your car for the journey you are making.
7. Maintain your car’s aerodynamics
Do your best to maintain your car’s aerodynamics. Don’t drive with a roof rack, cycle rack or ski-box fitted if you are not using it. Take it off and leave it in the garage. An open window can also disturb your vehicle’s natural air flow so, wherever possible, keep windows closed. Similarly, you will use less fuel if you keep the convertible or sunroof closed.
8. Get your car serviced
Get the car serviced regularly. Replacing the oil will make it run more efficiently, as will a timely tune-up. Get the garage to ensure your wheels are correctly aligned too, which will also help.
9. Plan your route carefully
You would be forgiven for thinking that the shortest route would be the best way to cutting fuel consumption. The key to “hypermiling” is to take the least uninterrupted route to ensure that you are driving smoothly, without getting stuck in traffic or having to make less stops along the way in order to make the most of your MPG.
10. Turn off your engine when you come to a stop
If you live in an area filled with traffic lights or railway crossings then turning off your engine is a crucial tip. If stationary you are doing zero MPG and if doing so for more than ten seconds, then you are wasting fuel, while running the risk of overheating your engine. Of course, many modern cars have start / stop functions for the express purpose of reducing fuel consumption and pollution.
11. Abide by the two-second rule
Drafting is slipstreaming by another name, is a technique used in motorsport to reduce wind resistance, but incredibly dangerous on the road. You must abide by the two-second rule, but that will still reap an MPG benefit.
