With prices at the pump reaching all-time highs recently, keeping the cost of motoring down is becoming more and more of a challenge. Of course, we all want to do our bit to lower our environmental impact whilst also reducing the hit on our pocket, but how do we do that if we still need to use our cars in our professional and domestic lives?

Outside of reducing the number of car journeys we make, there are many other ways to cut our fuel costs. By driving more efficiently, we not only help ourselves to save money on fuel, but we can also help to reduce our carbon emissions and promote a cleaner environment. There are a variety of ways that we can improve our fuel efficiency, from simple changes in driving habits to more advanced techniques such as using telematics which monitor and analyse vehicle data.

In this blog, we will look at some top tips for driving more efficiently, therefore cutting down on the fuel we use.

1. Maintain proper tyre pressure: Under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by as much as 3%. Correct tyre pressure is, therefore, essential for fuel economy. Make sure to check your tyre pressure at least once a month and keep them at the recommended pressure level.
2. Avoid rapid acceleration and braking: Fast acceleration and sudden braking can significantly increase fuel consumption. By accelerating and braking more smoothly, you can reduce the amount of fuel your vehicle uses and also improve your vehicle’s overall performance.
3. Use cruise control: Cruise control can help you maintain a consistent speed and reduce the amount of fuel your vehicle uses. This is especially useful when driving on motorways.
4. Maintain an economical speed: If your car does not have cruise control, try to keep your speed at a consistent, economical speed where possible. The RAC recommends that most cars are most efficient between 45-50mph, depending on other factors like tyre pressure and weight.
5. Avoid idling: Idling can be a significant source of fuel consumption. If your vehicle is stationary for more than a minute, turn off your engine.
6. Remove unnecessary weight: The more weight your vehicle has to carry, the more fuel it will use. So only take what you need for that trip and remove any unnecessary items from your car, such as golf clubs, tools, or bags.
7. Plan your route: Planning your route can help you avoid traffic, reduce the distance you have to travel, and save fuel. By using GPS or maps, you can find the most efficient route to your destination, saving you from spending too much time sitting in traffic with your car idling. You could even look at the time you choose to take your journey, as certain times of day are busier than others.
8. Use telematics: companies that run a fleet of vehicles sometimes use telematics systems to monitor and analyse a wide range of vehicle data, including fuel consumption, speed, and vehicle location. This data is used to identify areas where improvements can be made, such as optimising routes to reduce fuel consumption or identifying vehicles that are performing poorly.
9. Proper vehicle maintenance: Proper vehicle maintenance is essential for fuel efficiency. Regularly scheduled servicing helps ensure that your vehicle is running at optimal performance, which helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
10. Is your journey essential? It may seem like an obvious question, and on the face of it, all of our journeys are essential, but could you put your car keys away and either walk or cycle, for example? This option will benefit not only your pocket but your health too.

So, as we can see from these tips, there are many ways that you can improve your fuel efficiency and reduce your overall fuel costs. Additionally, by driving more efficiently, you can also reduce your environmental impact and promote a cleaner environment. With the rising cost of fuel and increasing concerns about the environment, it’s more important than ever to take steps to improve your fuel efficiency.

Additionally, by cutting down the number of miles we undertake in our vehicles, we can also improve the life span of our cars. It stands to reason that the more miles we clock up on our vehicles, the more they are affected by general wear and tear. Everything from the engine’s working parts to windscreen wipers and the condition of the vehicle’s paintwork will all be improved by less usage. Brandfixx offers a unique solution to protecting your vehicle’s paintwork with our modular vinyl wraps. We provide an innovative and cost-effective way to protect your car.

To find out more about our modular vehicle wrapping system, get in touch with a member of the Brandfixx team today.