Known Ways To Cut Your Fuel Consumption

Over the last decade, cars have become far more economical.  Better fuel consumption has resulted in lower carbon emissions and potentially cheaper motoring for drivers.  Indeed, new figures from a leading car leasing firm have found that the average emissions of new company cars fell to a record low in the first half of 2013.
There are lots of ways that you can help the environment by cutting your emissions.  And, you’ll save money in the process.  Here, we look at the latest company car emissions figures before highlighting five simple ways in which you can cut your car’s fuel consumption.

5 little known ways to cut your fuel consumption

1.  Empty the boot

Whatever type of car you drive – whether using contract hire, dealer finance or a car lease – you’ll use extra fuel if there is extra weight in your car. So, it makes sense that you should empty the boot of all unnecessary baggage.
MSN reports that it is estimated that every 30kg carried in a car reduces fuel economy by 1 per cent. So, removing unnecessary items from the boot of your car can offer real and tangible savings.

2.  Get your car serviced regularly

Your car is more efficient when its engine is running at maximum capacity.  To ensure this it is important that you have your car serviced at regular intervals.
Many car leasing plans include maintenance and servicing and so there’s no excuse for you not having your car regularly checked over.  MSN says that ‘ignoring the service intervals laid down by the manufacturer is a recipe for all kinds of trouble, including reduced fuel economy.’

3.  Shut your windows

If you’re driving at low speeds, then opening the window for a bit of air shouldn’t significantly affect your fuel consumption.  However, at higher speeds, the aerodynamic impact of open windows comes into effect. The additional drag caused by having your window open can result in your engine having to work harder, using more petrol or diesel in the process.

4.  Don’t fill up with fuel

Just as you should empty your car when driving to reduce the weight of your vehicle, it can also pay to put smaller amounts of fuel in your car more often.
Fuel itself is heavy and so filling your car up makes it heavier, reducing your fuel economy.  You can save money by putting a little less fuel in more often.

5.  Don’t get lost

Planning your journey in advance can help you to cut your fuel costs.  Driving for a long time – particularly in urban areas – can significantly increase your fuel consumption and may also affect the smoothness of your driving as you become more frustrated.
Try to use a map or satellite navigation system to plan your route.  Some modern satnav systems will even help you to plan the most economical route to your destination.