CHRISTMAS can be one of the most expensive times of the year, especially if you’re getting behind the wheel to visit family.
So to help reduce your fuel costs, a few simple tips will help you drive more economically and save money when filling up.
From turning your engine off to reducing your vehicle’s drag, these techniques can help reduce the amount of fuel you go through.
It comes as petrol prices are set to reach a six-year high after drone attacks on the world’s largest oil plant sent the auto industry into a panic.
Some driving styles can often mean extra fuel is used when going over speed bumps, so by learning how to properly tackle them you could save a lot of money.
Rather than breaking and accelerating out of a speed bump, motorists can avoid unnecessary fuel consumption by driving at a constant speed.
Although it might be counter intuitive, completely filling your petrol tank can lead to extra fuel being used to transport the extra weight.
So by just filling it up to half way, you can cut additional weight and save money in the process.
Many Brits hardly take notice of the revolutions per minute (RPM) count on their dash when changing gear, relying purely on the sound of the engine.
But in doing so, you could be over-revving without even knowing and wasting precious fuel with each gear change.
Ideally, the most fuel-efficient RPM to change up a gear is 2,500 for a petrol car and 2,000 for diesel.
It can also be detrimental to drop your revs too low as this could additional strain on the engine and waste fuel, so attempt to stay above 1,500 revs in petrol and 1,300 in diesel cars.
Slowing down on high-speed roads is another useful way to avoid using too much fuel, as your RPM is typically higher than normal.
The most efficient speed to drive is between 55 and 65mph, while driving at 70mph compared to 80mph could save you 25 per cent more fuel.
It might sound simple, but turning your engine off when you’re not using it can go a long way in reducing your petrol bill.
Leaving your car running on a cold winter’s morning or keeping the engine on while stuck in traffic wastes plenty of fuel.
If you know you’re going to be stationary for a while, it’s a good idea to turn off the engine to conserve your petrol or diesel.
Chris Barella, digital services director at Euro Car Parts, said: “Driving more economically can save a lot more money than drivers may realise.
“By following these tips not only are you kinder on your wallet, but you’re also helping to cut down on unnecessary emissions.”
We also recently revealed the seven dos and don’ts for driving in ice and snow.
