Driving for optimum fuel economy make every last drop count

1) Keep an eye on inflation

Always inflate tyres to the recommended level and check them at least once a month. Under-inflated tyres will wear more quickly as well as increasing fuel consumption. For heavily laden vehicles check the handbook and increase tyre pressures as recommended. Consider fitting low rolling resistance tyres to your vehicles as an additional fuel saving measure.

2) Watch your weight

Remove any non-essential items from the vehicle. Extra weight means extra fuel so if there’s anything in the boot or the back of the van that isn’t required and is easy to store elsewhere, this is a simple way to reduce costs.

3) Don’t be a drag

Roof loads add wind resistance and increase fuel consumption. Use a streamlined roofbox if you can and remove any roof rack if not in regular use.

4) Conserve energy

Electrical loads increase fuel consumption so restrict the use of all electrical items, including headlights, if not required for safety reasons. The same applies to the heated rear windscreen and demister blowers.

5) Chill out…

…but not too much! Air-conditioning increases fuel consumption particularly at low speeds. Limit the use of air conditioning by opening windows around town and save the air-conditioning for high speed driving. Discourage the continuous use of air-con all year round but it’s important to run it at least once a week to maintain the system in good condition.

6) Know your limits

Keep to speed limits – it saves fuel, prevents pollution and avoids points on drivers’ licences. Driving at 70mph uses up to 9% more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15% more than at 50mph; 55mph is a good speed in most modern cars for maximum fuel economy.

7) Roll with it

Train drivers to anticipate upcoming road conditions. If you can keep the vehicle moving, so much the better – stopping then starting again uses more fuel than rolling. Never rush to join the back of a queue!

8) Start a revolution

Keep engine revs between 1500 and 2500, the engine’s most efficient band. A labouring engine will burn more fuel. Try changing up at an engine speed of around 2000 rpm in a diesel vehicle or 2500 rpm in a petrol vehicle. This can make such a difference that ‘Gear Shift Indicators’ are now required on all new cars to show the most efficient gear change points.

9) Avoid a service charge

Adhere rigidly to service schedules to preserve engine efficiency and maintain optimum performance.

10) Encourage Eco Driving

Applying specific fuel economy driving techniques is the most effective way to save fuel and enables drivers to improve their individual consumption by up to 20%. Some tips to pass on include:

• Keep your distance. This allows you to accelerate and brake smoothly.
• Reduce gear changes when accelerating or slowing by skipping gears.
• Slow down by lifting off the accelerator early rather than braking.
• Be light on the throttle.
• Never coast in neutral. For best economy, lift off the throttle in gear whenever you can.

The post Driving for optimum fuel economy make every last drop count appeared first on UK Construction Online.