During the recent fuel delivery crisis which led to queues at the pumps, despite no shortages at source, I was quite pleased that I didn’t need to fill up. No, I don’t have a massive fuel tank but am lucky enough to drive an EV. Since then, we have noticed fuel prices go up on almost a daily basis and petrol and diesel have already broken the previous highest prices in April 2012. This hits drivers hard.
So, what can be done to save on petrol or diesel?
Walk
I know it is obvious, but I do think some of us use our cars too much for short journeys. Those trips to the newsagents or coffee shop are often quicker on foot particularly as parking can be tricky. There are also great health benefits of walking that little bit further.
Cycle
It is also worth thinking if there are any other regular trips that may be further away than the newsagents but perhaps where you could cycle or jump on a local bus. Many companies offer ‘cycle to work’ schemes where you can get great deals on new bikes.
Compete
Most cars have onboard functions that track your miles per gallon. Why not make every journey a competition to beat your last record on miles per gallon? Below I give some tips how to squeeze the most distance out of your fuel.
My Top Tips
Speed: Sticking to constant lower speeds is not only safer but makes your fuel go further. Drive at 70mph and you’ll use up to 9% more than at 60mph and up to 15% more than at 50mph. Taking it up to 80mph is illegal and can use up to 25% more fuel than at 70mph.
Driving style: Further gains can easily be made by modifying driving style. Drive smoothly, accelerate gently, and read the road ahead to avoid braking unnecessarily.
Tyres: Regular checking of tyre pressures helps your wheels roll more efficiently.
Service:Regular servicing of your car means it is more efficient.
Share: Think if you can share a commute or work trip with colleagues or use sites such as Liftshare.com.
Work: The more you can work from home the less your car would be used for commuting.
Trip chain: Can you combine car trips, for example, picking up shopping on way back from the office?
Walk or cycle: It is often easier to walk or cycle short journeys as you don’t have the parking hassle.
Load: Take off the unused roof rack or heavy goods in the boot.
Park: Backing into parking spaces means you lose less fuel when you pull off cold.
I actually estimate that if you follow these tips, particularly speed and driving style, you could make fuel savings of approximately 20% which not only reduces the environmental effects of driving but will save you money. For a one car family that refuels twice a month, and with petrol now above 140p a litre, cutting fuel consumption by 20% saves £30.80 a month or £378.90 a year.
With all the debate around the climate crisis and COP26 it sometimes seems that EVs are the only solution. However, EVs are not yet practical or affordable for everyone but in the meantime we can all do our bit to save money and help the planet. Try it. It can be fun.
Drive safely.
Edmund