It’s fair to say that recently, fuel prices have soared. The cost of living crisis is becoming a hot topic in the news and everyone is looking for ways to save. If you drive to work and for leisure, fuel costs may be one of your highest monthly bills. But before you cancel your plans to visit the in-laws at the weekend, why not try a few hypermiling techniques instead.(the safe ones, we mean!). Wouldn’t you rather use your fuel more efficiently anyway?
In a recent survey from ChooseMyCar.com, 76 per cent of people agreed they’re now more likely to use hypermiling techniques because of the recent rise in fuel costs. Digging deeper into the data, 35-54-year-olds were most likely to be hypermiling, with 81 per cent agreeing they’ve changed their driving technique. Looking at locations, Liverpool is the hypermiling capital of the UK, with 86 per cent of drivers agreeing they’re now doing it. Other locations included: Birmingham with 78 per cent, Norwich 80 per cent, Southampton 79 per cent, and London 78 per cent.
And while hypermiling might be good for our pockets, some techniques are not good for our (or our car’s) safety. So before you become a hypermiler, take a look at some of our popular tried and tested fuel-saving tips.
Hypermiling can improve fuel economy, it goes beyond turning off the air conditioning to save fuel or removing the roof bars if you’re looking at reducing drag.
Prepare your car for success
Before you even put fuel in your car, think about whether it’s in the best condition, regardless of fuel. Are your tyres pumped sufficiently? Are your oil levels topped up? Has your car been serviced in the last year? You may not realise it, but in order for your vehicle to save fuel, you need to make sure it’s in top condition.
If your tyres aren’t sufficiently inflated, your car will have to work harder to perform the way you’re used to. That means using more fuel. If your oil levels aren’t suitable, more energy will be required to turn the engine. In fact, some people even use a thinner oil so that even less energy is required, but you should always check with your manufacturer first before adding any random oil you find at the store.
Focus on your MPG
Miles per gallon. That’s what you’re trying to extend. Maximising how far your car can travel on a gallon of fuel. Some cars will tell you the real-time MPG of your car as you’re driving along. This can be a great tool to help your driving become more economical, although this can be distracting so be cautious. Our advice; if your car can tell you what the current MPG of your travelling car is, there’s a chance it also has an eco-setting. Turn that on. It will prevent you from driving too erratically.
Go easy on the brake pedal
If you’re an all or nothing kind of person behind the wheel, you’re either hitting the accelerator hard or braking hard. This is your message to stop. Each time you brake, you turn your fuel into heat and brake dust. So don’t speed up just to slam the brakes on. If you see the speed limit ahead is being reduced, don’t wait until you get to the sign to hit the brake. Let your car naturally slow itself down before you force it to. The less you use your brakes and the more you use natural resistance to slow your car – the better for your fuel.
Stick to the speed limit
We know what you’re thinking, but no, this isn’t a safety article on how to drive! However, more often than not, safe driving means saving fuel. The faster you travel the more fuel you use. That doesn’t mean you should drive at 30mph on a motorway. But consider the fact that statistically, most cars will be most efficient at around 56mph.
For each 5mph to 10mph you reduce your speed by, you can look to gain 7-14 per cent on your fuel economy. This means if you’re one of those people on the motorway bumbling along at 77mph (because you think it means you won’t get caught for speeding) you’re wasting more fuel than the person next to you travelling at the speed limit. Truth be told, it pays to stick to the law!
Get out of the car
Driving to the shops to go and get some milk? Need to pick the kids up from school? Are you one of these people who always opts for the car because it’s easier? Well, a great way for you to save money on your fuel is to stop using the car.
You don’t need to drive the one mile to the kids’ primary school. Your child is within the catchment area for a reason, walk it! You could even cycle, use a scooter, rollerblades, quite frankly any other mode of transport is going to be cheaper than your car so why not try something new out for those shorter journeys.
Alternatively, why not opt for public transport? You’ll be surprised at how much fuel you can save by replacing your car with the bus or train. Perhaps you live near a colleague, you could both travel to work together and cut your fuel costs – quite literally – in half!
Of course, you can always do your best to find the most efficient car. It might be an electric one or perhaps a hybrid vehicle. But the truth is that they’re an expensive purchase. Make your fuel work for the current car you have. Use our tips, drive safely, slowly, and lay off the pedals. If times really get tough, leave the car at home and enjoy some fresh air instead.
