3p Fuel Rise Scrapped
The chancellor George Osbourne has scrapped the planned rise in fuel duty. This rise in fuel duty was planned to come into effect from next month. This additional fuel duty would have cost the average family £144 per year. Grippy like to save our customers’ money when it comes to motoring and not just through cheap online tyres. With this in mind we have included ten top tips on how to save fuel.
1) Slow down – When driving on dual carriageways or motorways a reduction of just 5MPH will save you money and it’s likely to only take a couple of minutes extra depending how far you are traveling.
2) Open Windows – Rather than using your vehicle’s air-conditioning (if fitted). Opening the windows will still cool the car down but will not cost as much as energy sapping A/C. However, even an open window can use an additional 5-6% more fuel, so unless it’s really hot, just take your jumper off!
3) Home Car maintenance – Make sure the you check your car tyre pressures. All UK tyres have recommended tyre pressures this information can generally be found in your cars owners manual. Simple home maintenance such as making sure the tyre pressures are correct will save fuel. According to information from tyre manufacturer Goodyear a tyre that is 20% under-inflated could use up to 10% more fuel.
4) Professional maintenance – Making sure your vehicle is serviced at the right times in accordance to the vehicle manufacturer standards. Most car manufactures have slightly different times for the vehicle to be serviced. You will find this information in your vehicle’s handbook pack.
5) Additional weight or roof racks – Roof racks change the aerodynamics of the vehicle and disrupt the airflow around the vehicle. This could add an additional 10% to your fuel costs. Clearing your boot of any unnecessary weight will also help to improve fuel economy.
6) Careful Planning – Planning your route in advance is also a sensible option as using a longer route or getting lost will cost you more money!
7) Don’t Floor it – Going easier on that right pedal will also help reduce your fuel costs. Heavy acceleration is a major factor in fuel use! If you use (where ever possible) 75% acceleration rather than planting your foot to the board your costs will be reduced.
9) Smooth driving – This is all about anticipating the road ahead. Make sure that you drive allowing plenty of room between you and the driver in front. This will then allow you time to reduce the vehicle speed without the use of the brakes simply by easing off the accelerator.
10) Gear changing – Drive the car at the lowest comfortable RPM without the car labouring. Labouring is when the vehicle starts to shudder – changing gears earlier and anticipating gear changes will also aid your fuel economy.
Good luck on saving fuel from us here at Grippy.