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We’ve got some tips and tricks that could help reduce the petrol or diesel you use…
- Simple hacks, tips and tricks can help you save on the petrol or diesel used when driving
- Make sure you get your car serviced regularly, helping you spot any issues early
- Have you considered purchasing an EV?
When the light flashes on your dash, listen to it!
Having your car serviced regularly not only provides peace of mind that your vehicle is in road-worthy condition, but keeping up with car maintenance improves the overall efficiency of your vehicle, while new oil and air filters mean your engine will run smoother. Plus, inflating your tyres to the correct pressure will reduce rolling resistance, and you guessed it, improve your petrol and diesel use.
Identifying any issues with your car early on will help you save on costly repair bills, and undoubtedly help your car last longer.
And remember, just because a car feels ok, it doesn’t automatically mean all is working as well as it should be, so watch those lights on the dashboard and make sure you get your car serviced.
Does over acceleration guzzle more gas?
It may seem like an old wives' tale, but excessive speed does in fact guzzle more petrol or diesel whilst driving. You’ll accelerate a number of times when driving, but making sure your acceleration is as gentle as possible is key to being more petrol and diesel efficient. Remember, the faster an engine spins, the more petrol or diesel your car uses.
The best way to achieve high mpg (miles per gallon) is driving in the highest possible gear for your vehicle while keeping within the speed limit (of course). And, when driving in urban areas, be sure to change up through the gears as quickly as they allow.
Did you know: Changing gears regularly (and appropriately) could contribute to less petrol and diesel usage when driving.
Should you switch cruise control on?
Cruise control is a great way to use your petrol and diesel economically, as it’s the constant change in acceleration and deceleration of a car that causes you to use more petrol or diesel as you drive.
By switching on cruise control, your car will maintain the same pace. Motorway driving is great for cruise control as it works best when driving on a constant flat surface.
And, although they only use a small amount of petrol or diesel, if you are looking to make the most of your tank, we suggest turning the air conditioning or heating off too (when possible).
Did you know: If you’re driving with your windows open at high speed, you may be using more petrol and diesel. That’s because opening the windows whilst driving at high speed, like on the motorway, will cause your car to drag.
Does a heavier car use more fuel?
It’s true, the more packed up your car, the more petrol or diesel you use. That’s because when a car has more people, luggage or four-legged friends on board, the engine must work harder to move that extra mass - additional energy will also be used to accelerate the car when stopping and starting.
If you do need to pack up your car, be sure to check the car manual for the maximum carrying weight. Once packed, if you’re still unsure check the suspension (the distance between the wheel arch and wheel), this should be the exact same as before you started loading up.
Does driving fast use more fuel?
We all know that speeding whilst driving is illegal but staying within the speed limit also saves on fuel. Speeding won’t save you that much time either - driving continuously at 80mph instead of 70mph, you would only save five minutes. That isn’t even long enough to make a decent cuppa!
Top tip: Give yourself time – not only does it save petrol and diesel, arriving safely is more important than arriving quickly.
Is supermarket fuel the cheapest?
On the lookout for the cheapest petrol and diesel near you? Drive around any town or city in the UK and you’ll notice costs can vary widely, especially between big name oil brands and your local supermarket.
For many, filling up at the supermarket after the weekly shop can be a sure-fire way to save a few pounds when it comes to your fuel bill - especially as on average, petrol and diesel prices at the supermarket forecourt are usually around 3p to 5p cheaper per litre than branded oil companies.
But should you be worried about the fuel quality? The short answer is no, any brand that sells petrol and diesel within the UK will need to conform to the same British Standards. And it just so happens that the competition between Britain's favourite supermarkets is fierce, leading to a constant price war - with some even happy to offer extra discounts or loyalty points for customers who spend a certain amount in store.
Is running an EV cheaper than a fuel car?
The government is backing Electric Vehicles (EV) as cars of the future, with the UK on track to have an estimated 250,000 - 550,000 public chargers available by 2030.
To support the switch to electric vehicles, the government offers various schemes and incentives that may change over time. Be sure to check the gov.uk website to see what’s available when you’re ready to make the move!
And whilst electric vehicle adoption continues to grow, many people are still hesitant when it comes to EVs as they perceive them as more expensive.
Did you know? Whilst electric vehicles are typically more expensive than petrol and diesel fuelled cars to purchase, the cost of running and maintaining an EV can be much lower in the long run than running a petrol or diesel car.
As well as using these hacks, tips and tricks to reduce your petrol or diesel consumption, it’s worth checking that your LV= car insurance is up to date, and you are getting the best deal on insurance when looking to renew your policy with us.