What Is Fuel Economy?
Fuel Economy refers to how efficiently your vehicle uses fuel. A car that travels further on the same amount of fuel generally has better fuel economy.
Your driving style, tyre pressures, vehicle condition, traffic and even extra weight can all affect how much fuel your car uses.
The Vehicle Certification Agency recommends smooth driving, appropriate speeds, correct tyre pressures and reducing unnecessary idling as ways to improve fuel efficiency.
7 Simple Ways to Improve Fuel Economy
1. Keep Your Tyres Properly Inflated
Incorrect tyre pressures can increase rolling resistance, meaning your engine has to work harder.
Check your tyre pressures regularly and follow the manufacturer’s recommended settings. This can also help maintain tyre life and handling.
The UK government’s roadworthiness guidance notes that correctly inflated tyres can help reduce fuel consumption.
If your tyres need checking or replacing, you can explore tyres in Middlesbrough with Gladstone Tyres & Autocare.
2. Drive Smoothly
Harsh acceleration and heavy braking can increase fuel consumption.
Try to look further ahead, anticipate traffic and accelerate progressively. Smooth driving can also reduce unnecessary wear on your tyres and brakes.
The Vehicle Certification Agency recommends anticipating traffic and avoiding unnecessary acceleration and braking to improve fuel efficiency.
3. Avoid Unnecessary Idling
Leaving your engine running while stationary uses fuel without moving the vehicle.
If you expect to be stopped for a longer period and it is safe and appropriate to do so, switching the engine off can reduce unnecessary fuel use. Modern vehicles with stop-start systems can also automatically manage this in suitable conditions.
4. Remove Unnecessary Weight
Carrying unnecessary items in your boot adds weight that the engine has to move.
Regularly remove heavy items you don’t need, particularly if you’re making longer journeys.
Roof boxes and roof racks can also increase aerodynamic drag. Removing them when they’re not needed can help improve fuel economy.
5. Watch Your Speed
Driving faster generally increases fuel consumption.
Always stay within the speed limit and adjust your speed to the road and traffic conditions. The VCA reports that driving at 75mph instead of 60mph uses around 18% more fuel.
6. Keep Your Car Properly Maintained
Vehicle maintenance can have an impact on fuel efficiency.
Worn or incorrectly maintained components can affect how efficiently your vehicle operates. Keeping up with the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule is therefore important.
If your vehicle is due a service, you can arrange car servicing in Middlesbrough with Gladstone.
7. Plan Your Journeys
Repeated short trips, heavy traffic and unnecessary detours can increase fuel use.
Planning your route before setting off can help you avoid unnecessary congestion and combine several journeys where practical.
GOV.UK guidance also identifies journey planning as a way of improving fuel consumption and reducing emissions.
Do Tyres Affect Fuel Economy?
Yes. Tyres have a direct relationship with rolling resistance.
Under-inflated tyres create greater resistance as they move along the road, which can increase fuel consumption. Correct tyre pressures are therefore important for both efficiency and general vehicle safety.
If you notice uneven tyre wear, frequent pressure loss or changes in how your vehicle handles, arrange a professional tyre check.
Can Servicing Improve Fuel Economy?
Regular servicing helps keep your vehicle maintained according to the manufacturer’s requirements.
A service does not guarantee a particular improvement in fuel consumption, but identifying maintenance issues can help your vehicle operate as intended.
The UK government’s maintenance guidance states that maintaining vehicles in line with manufacturer standards can increase fuel efficiency.
For drivers in Middlesbrough, Gladstone Tyres & Autocare provides servicing and vehicle maintenance services.
Does Air Conditioning Use More Fuel?
Using air conditioning can increase energy consumption, although the effect varies depending on the vehicle, conditions and how the system is used.
Rather than avoiding air conditioning when it is needed, focus on sensible use and maintaining your vehicle correctly.
Fuel economy should never come at the expense of driver or passenger safety.
When Should You Get Your Car Checked?
A sudden drop in Fuel Economy can sometimes be worth investigating, particularly if your driving habits and journeys have not changed.
Arrange a professional check if you also notice:
- Engine warning lights
- Poor acceleration
- Rough idling
- Unusual engine noises
- Difficulty starting
- Changes in braking
- Uneven tyre wear
- Reduced vehicle performance
Car diagnostics can help investigate certain electronic or engine-related faults when a vehicle develops an unexplained problem.
Fuel Economy FAQs
What is the easiest way to improve Fuel Economy?
Start with the basics: check your tyre pressures, drive smoothly, avoid unnecessary idling, remove unnecessary weight and keep your vehicle properly maintained.
Do under-inflated tyres use more fuel?
Yes. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which can make the engine work harder and increase fuel consumption.
Does driving slower save fuel?
Driving at an appropriate speed can help reduce fuel consumption, particularly compared with higher speeds. Always follow the applicable speed limit and prioritise safe driving.
Can a car service improve fuel consumption?
Proper maintenance can help a vehicle operate efficiently. However, the actual effect on fuel consumption depends on the vehicle’s condition and the cause of any efficiency problem.
Does carrying heavy items affect fuel economy?
Yes. Extra weight requires more energy to move the vehicle. Removing unnecessary items can therefore help reduce fuel use.
Why has my fuel economy suddenly become worse?
Possible reasons include changes in driving conditions, tyre pressures, traffic, increased vehicle load or an underlying vehicle fault. If the change is persistent, a professional inspection or diagnostic check can help identify potential problems.
Where can I get my car checked in Middlesbrough?
Gladstone Tyres & Autocare is located at 2 Snowdon Rd, Middlesbrough TS2 1LP and provides tyre, servicing and vehicle maintenance services.
Improve Your Fuel Economy Today
Small changes to driving habits and regular vehicle maintenance can help you use fuel more efficiently.
If you’ve noticed a sudden change in Fuel Economy, unusual vehicle behaviour or a maintenance issue, contact Gladstone Tyres & Autocare in Middlesbrough for advice and vehicle maintenance.
Drive smoothly, keep your tyres correctly inflated and keep your vehicle maintained to help get the most from every journey.