Top Tips for Driving Economically
Anyone who drives will be aware of the expense of running a motor vehicle; as the engine consumes fuel so a hole burns in the driver’s pocket. If the financial strain of fuel consumption wasn’t enough, the expenditure of fuel has adverse effects on the environment. It is possible, however, to drive economically if specific procedures are followed and certain factors are taken into consideration.
Acquire a fuel efficient vehicle
If you’re looking to buy a new vehicle you might want to consider purchasing a fuel efficient option. As more car manufacturers choose to invest in this evolving technology, so the options will increase and the models available will improve with each development. Although fuel efficient cars might be more expensive at the initial purchase, they can prove less expensive to run in the long-term.
Despite the initial price of a fuel efficient car being rather steep and the cost of maintenance greater than that of a conventional vehicle, reduced CO2 emissions will be good for the environment while the more economic use of fuel will be kinder to your wallet. If, however, you are unable or unwilling to acquire a fuel efficient vehicle there are a number of things you can do to improve fuel economy when running a conventional vehicle.
Use appropriate engine oil
There are a number of motor oils available on the market that have been formulated to maximise fuel economy and to extend the life of the engine. It’s important to save money on repairs and fuel by changing the oil at regular intervals and using a quality product; using the best oil might cost more but in the long term it’s the better economic option than cheaper alternatives.
Maximise engine usage
It’s best to maximise the use of your engine when it’s up and running by carrying out a series of driving errands in one go, than to perform those tasks over a longer period that will require the engine to be restarted several times. Combining brief journeys with shorter stays between destinations increases fuel efficiency. Cold starting the engine increases fuel expenditure, while leaving the engine running when unnecessary is also a waste of fuel.
Reduce tyre rolling resistance
Tyre friction is important for a safe driving experience but excessive friction between tyres and the road surface creates a force that resists the motion of the vehicle, resulting in poor fuel economy. This effect, known as rolling resistance, can also be caused by under-inflation of the inner tyre or slippage between the tyre and surface. Tyre rolling resistance causes about 20% of fuel expenditure so optimising tyres to reduce rolling resistance will improve fuel economy.
Decrease vehicular weight and increase aerodynamics
Weight adds resistance to a moving object, as does wind, and if that object in motion is a motor vehicle the internal combustion energy will have to burn more fuel to overcome that resistance. Relieving the car of unnecessary weight takes away one source of resistance. Streamlining your vehicle by removing inessential objects such as roof-racks or by keeping the sunroof down means less work for the engine against the forces of wind resistance.
Here at Munster Tyres we are committed to making sure you get the most out of your vehicle for optimum functionality and performance. We understand the importance of driving economically to help control fuel consumption, which is why we offer an extensive range of services tailored to your vehicle, including:
- Tyre Fitting
- Wheel Balancing
- Mobile Fitting Service
- Car Servicing & Repairs
- MOTs
- Brake & Clutch Repair & Replacement
Simply give our specialist team a call today for further information about any of the services we provide – we are happy to help with any enquiry.