How to drive economically? Practical tips for saving fuel

Fuel costs can really add up, especially if you drive a lot of kilometres every day. Fortunately, you can often drive more economically just by making a few simple adjustments to your driving style. Not only is this good for your wallet, but it usually makes for a smoother and more comfortable drive as well.

1. Drive calmly and look ahead

A calm driving style helps to avoid unnecessary fuel consumption. Accelerate smoothly, avoid braking too hard unnecessarily, and try to look ahead as much as possible. If you see that a traffic light is red or that traffic is slowing down further ahead, let the car coast to a stop in good time. This way, you’ll avoid having to accelerate hard and then brake again straight away.

In addition, whenever traffic permits, try to maintain a constant speed as much as possible.

2. Check your tyres and look after your car properly

Inflating your tyres to a pressure that is too low increases rolling resistance and can therefore increase fuel consumption. You should therefore check regularly that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. Proper maintenance also plays a part. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals and ensure, for example, that the engine oil and tyres are in good condition. A car that is well maintained technically usually runs more efficiently.

3. Don’t take any unnecessary weight with you

The heavier the car, the more energy is needed to get it moving. So don’t leave heavy items you don’t need in the boot unnecessarily. Do you have a roof box or bike rack fitted? Remove them when you’re not using them. Not only does extra weight increase fuel consumption, but so does extra air resistance.

4. Change gear in good time

Do you drive a manual car? If so, shift up a gear in good time and avoid driving at high revs unnecessarily. With an automatic car, gear changes are largely handled for you, but even then, a smooth driving style helps to reduce fuel consumption.

5. Use the air conditioning sensibly

Air conditioning uses extra energy. Of course, you don’t need to switch it off on hot days, but do use it sensibly. Has the car got very hot? If so, first open the doors or windows briefly to let the hottest air escape. That way, the air conditioning won’t have to work as hard.

6. Combine short journeys

A cold engine is less efficient than one that has already reached operating temperature. Do you need to make several short journeys? If so, try to combine them where possible. This will prevent the car from having to warm up completely each time and will reduce unnecessary fuel consumption.

Small changes make a difference

Economical driving is mainly about using your car more sensibly. Driving calmly, looking ahead, checking your tyres and avoiding unnecessary weight are simple habits which, when combined, can make a difference.