The cost of owning your own car can mount up once you take into account road tax, insurance and maintenance, but when it comes to actually running the car, you may be spending more than you actually need to - and with a few tips, you could save yourself some cash.
Using less fuel saves money and also reduces carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere, thereby improving air quality.
This week Tools of the Trade has decided to look at ways to help you reduce your vehicle's fuel consumption - and strain on your wallet.
Using the accelerator less is the best way to use less fuel. Not using the brakes as much also means that you don't need to accelerate as frequently. The best way to do this is to anticipate what the vehicle in front is doing and keep your distance.
Always drive in the highest gear possible, without labouring the engine. A vehicle at 40mph in third gear uses approximately 25 per cent more fuel than at the same speed in fifth gear. Remove unnecessary weight and drag items, like roof racks, before travelling as these add to petrol consumption.
Many believe they risk damaging their vehicle if they drive it before the engine has warmed up. This isn't the case if it's driven gently. Drive off straight away rather than waiting for the engine to warm up. It's true that the engine is more efficient when warm, and it reaches its correct operating temperature more quickly when driven.
Tyre pressures can affect fuel consumption by five per cent. If the tyres are too soft the engine has to work harder to turn the wheels. If carrying extra luggage or people, you may have to inflate your tyres further to compensate for the extra weight.
When stationary, switch your engine off whenever safe to do so. Restarting your engine uses less fuel than just sitting there. One hour idling uses as much fuel as two hours of driving.
A vehicle's air conditioning will
also increase fuel consumption. Air conditioning uses a compressor, driven by the engine. This can increase fuel consumption by 10 per cent and it uses up 10bhp from the engine's overall power.
Ensure that your vehicle is running efficiently, otherwise it will be using too much fuel and producing excessive emissions. You will find that regular servicing helps combat this.