Fuel-efficient driving: tips & tricks for eco-driving

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Eco-driving helps you cut fuel costs and reduce your carbon footprint. While it’s important to think about the car you drive, with its fuel type, engine size and overall weight, there are other considerations. Even small adjustments can lead to more fuel-efficient driving. From smoother acceleration to maintaining steady speeds, our simple techniques help you get the most from every litre of fuel. Our guide will help you save money by driving more efficiently.

Content we'll cover:

Fuel-efficient driving techniques

How to get more range from your electric vehicle

Vehicle maintenance for eco-driving

Car technology that's helping improve fuel efficiency  

The key benefits of fuel-efficient driving

Browse a variety of used cars at AvailableCar

Fuel-efficient driving techniques

What driving technique helps save fuel the most? You want to change your overall driving style with a combination of varying techniques to improve the economy the most. Here are a few suggestions.

Maintain optimal speed

Studies suggest that driving at 70mph uses nearly 10% more fuel than at 60mph and around 15% more fuel than driving at 50mph. At 80mph, fuel consumption increases up to 25% more than at 70mph, forcing you to fill up more frequently. Slowing down a little will help you enjoy the journey and save money.

Avoid sudden acceleration and braking

If your speed changes frequently, then your car uses more fuel, leading you to spend more money. Instead of braking heavily and then accelerating suddenly to catch back up, consider using cruise control while on the motorway to keep the speed within the optimal range.

Reduce idling

Instead of leaving the engine running while stationary, turn the car off to save fuel. Statistics show that 2.3 litres or more of fuel can be used for every hour a car idles.

Anticipate traffic

While driving, look ahead to see what’s coming. If traffic is slowing down, ease off the accelerator and let the car gently slow down. By keeping the speed as steady as possible, you reduce fuel consumption.

Maintain tyre air pressure

When your tyres aren’t properly inflated, the car needs more fuel to maintain speed. Additionally, low tyre pressure increases the wear to the tread, requiring more frequent replacement, which also costs you more money.

Reduce air conditioning usage

Air conditioning may use up to 20% more fuel, depending on the conditions. Open the windows and let in some fresh air instead. If you need to use the air conditioning, remember to switch on the recirculate option to minimise usage.

Remove excess weight

The less your vehicle weighs, the lower the consumption will be. Remember to remove cargo and bike racks when they’re not needed.

How to get more range from your electric vehicle

As you want to know how to drive economically, you may already own an electric vehicle. However, you still need to think about your usage to get the most range for your charge. Here are some practical steps you can take to maximise the time between charging:

  • Think about charging practices. Unless you are planning a long drive, you don’t need to charge the battery to 100%. Instead, the recommended charging for daily use is 80%. This simple practice helps preserve battery health and extends its lifespan.

  • Utilise regenerative braking. EVs can recover energy while slowing down through a process known as regenerative braking, helping to extend range. In some vehicles, you can use one-pedal driving to return most of the energy back to the battery while slowing down the car. During this time, the friction brakes are used less, reducing wear and prolonging the lifespan of these components.

  • Drive slower. As with combustion engines, the electric vehicle is going to use less energy at slower speeds. While you want to maintain the flow of traffic, there’s no reason to speed and use more power. 

Pre-condition the car in winter. Instead of warming up the car while you drive, pre-heat the cabin while the car is still charging. You can get the cabin warm and turn it down once it’s unplugged.

Vehicle maintenance for eco-driving

Regular car maintenance is crucial to how the engine runs and performs, so if you want to know how to save fuel, it’s best to start by taking care of the vehicle. Follow all of the manufacturer-recommended tasks, such as checking the tyre pressure, changing the oil and replacing the air filter to ensure the best possible fuel economy.

Car technology that's helping improve fuel efficiency

As you explore what driving technique can save fuel, it’s also worth considering the latest car innovations helping to maximise economy. Here are some included by the top manufacturers:

  • Hybrid/electric powertrains: Because these engines rely on electrical power, fuel consumption is reduced and excessive emissions are prevented. 

  • Engine start/stop systems: When the engine idles, it shuts down automatically to save fuel. Once the driver begins to move again, the engine restarts.

  • Regenerative braking: EVs and hybrids use regenerative braking to capture energy that would have been lost during braking, converting it back into battery power.

  • Improved aerodynamics: Car designs are becoming lighter and more aerodynamic, thanks to the use of newer materials. With reduced weight, there is also a reduction in fuel consumption.

  • Eco-driving modes: Advanced systems are using fuel management tactics to adjust air intake and fuel injection for reduced usage.

  • Low rolling resistance tyres: Special tyres reduce the rolling resistance and improve fuel economy.

Adaptive cruise control: Advanced safety systems can help the driver maintain an efficient speed, reducing the need to accelerate and brake frequently.

The key benefits of fuel-efficient driving

Taking the time to make the necessary changes to your daily commute can benefit you in multiple ways. Here are some of the top advantages of fuel-efficient driving:

  • Reduced fuel cost and frequency of trips to the pump.

  • Lower emissions, contributing to a better environment.

  • Increased vehicle longevity, reducing repair costs.

Browse a variety of used cars at AvailableCar

It may be time to consider buying a more efficient vehicle, to help you save more money. Thankfully, you don’t need to buy a brand-new car to take advantage of the tips we’ve discussed. At AvailableCar, you can find a wide range of used cars that are fuel-efficient and cost-effective. Browse our selection today to see what’s available.

AvailableCar Hub

Mirror, signal, manoeuvre your way to all our latest news, industry tips, car tech and much more.

View all posts

Fuel-efficient driving: tips & tricks for eco-driving

Eco-driving helps you cut fuel costs and reduce your carbon footprint. While it’s important to think about the car you drive, with its fuel type, engine size and overall weight, there are other considerations. Even small adjustments can lead to more fuel-efficient driving. From smoother acceleration to maintaining steady speeds, our simple techniques help you get the most from every litre of fuel. Our guide will help you save money by driving more efficiently.

Content we'll cover:

Fuel-efficient driving techniques

How to get more range from your electric vehicle

Vehicle maintenance for eco-driving

Car technology that's helping improve fuel efficiency  

The key benefits of fuel-efficient driving

Browse a variety of used cars at AvailableCar

Fuel-efficient driving techniques

What driving technique helps save fuel the most? You want to change your overall driving style with a combination of varying techniques to improve the economy the most. Here are a few suggestions.

Maintain optimal speed

Studies suggest that driving at 70mph uses nearly 10% more fuel than at 60mph and around 15% more fuel than driving at 50mph. At 80mph, fuel consumption increases up to 25% more than at 70mph, forcing you to fill up more frequently. Slowing down a little will help you enjoy the journey and save money.

Avoid sudden acceleration and braking

If your speed changes frequently, then your car uses more fuel, leading you to spend more money. Instead of braking heavily and then accelerating suddenly to catch back up, consider using cruise control while on the motorway to keep the speed within the optimal range.

Reduce idling

Instead of leaving the engine running while stationary, turn the car off to save fuel. Statistics show that 2.3 litres or more of fuel can be used for every hour a car idles.

Anticipate traffic

While driving, look ahead to see what’s coming. If traffic is slowing down, ease off the accelerator and let the car gently slow down. By keeping the speed as steady as possible, you reduce fuel consumption.

Maintain tyre air pressure

When your tyres aren’t properly inflated, the car needs more fuel to maintain speed. Additionally, low tyre pressure increases the wear to the tread, requiring more frequent replacement, which also costs you more money.

Reduce air conditioning usage

Air conditioning may use up to 20% more fuel, depending on the conditions. Open the windows and let in some fresh air instead. If you need to use the air conditioning, remember to switch on the recirculate option to minimise usage.

Remove excess weight

The less your vehicle weighs, the lower the consumption will be. Remember to remove cargo and bike racks when they’re not needed.

How to get more range from your electric vehicle

As you want to know how to drive economically, you may already own an electric vehicle. However, you still need to think about your usage to get the most range for your charge. Here are some practical steps you can take to maximise the time between charging:

  • Think about charging practices. Unless you are planning a long drive, you don’t need to charge the battery to 100%. Instead, the recommended charging for daily use is 80%. This simple practice helps preserve battery health and extends its lifespan.

  • Utilise regenerative braking. EVs can recover energy while slowing down through a process known as regenerative braking, helping to extend range. In some vehicles, you can use one-pedal driving to return most of the energy back to the battery while slowing down the car. During this time, the friction brakes are used less, reducing wear and prolonging the lifespan of these components.

  • Drive slower. As with combustion engines, the electric vehicle is going to use less energy at slower speeds. While you want to maintain the flow of traffic, there’s no reason to speed and use more power. 

Pre-condition the car in winter. Instead of warming up the car while you drive, pre-heat the cabin while the car is still charging. You can get the cabin warm and turn it down once it’s unplugged.

Vehicle maintenance for eco-driving

Regular car maintenance is crucial to how the engine runs and performs, so if you want to know how to save fuel, it’s best to start by taking care of the vehicle. Follow all of the manufacturer-recommended tasks, such as checking the tyre pressure, changing the oil and replacing the air filter to ensure the best possible fuel economy.

Car technology that's helping improve fuel efficiency

As you explore what driving technique can save fuel, it’s also worth considering the latest car innovations helping to maximise economy. Here are some included by the top manufacturers:

  • Hybrid/electric powertrains: Because these engines rely on electrical power, fuel consumption is reduced and excessive emissions are prevented. 

  • Engine start/stop systems: When the engine idles, it shuts down automatically to save fuel. Once the driver begins to move again, the engine restarts.

  • Regenerative braking: EVs and hybrids use regenerative braking to capture energy that would have been lost during braking, converting it back into battery power.

  • Improved aerodynamics: Car designs are becoming lighter and more aerodynamic, thanks to the use of newer materials. With reduced weight, there is also a reduction in fuel consumption.

  • Eco-driving modes: Advanced systems are using fuel management tactics to adjust air intake and fuel injection for reduced usage.

  • Low rolling resistance tyres: Special tyres reduce the rolling resistance and improve fuel economy.

Adaptive cruise control: Advanced safety systems can help the driver maintain an efficient speed, reducing the need to accelerate and brake frequently.

The key benefits of fuel-efficient driving

Taking the time to make the necessary changes to your daily commute can benefit you in multiple ways. Here are some of the top advantages of fuel-efficient driving:

  • Reduced fuel cost and frequency of trips to the pump.

  • Lower emissions, contributing to a better environment.

  • Increased vehicle longevity, reducing repair costs.

Browse a variety of used cars at AvailableCar

It may be time to consider buying a more efficient vehicle, to help you save more money. Thankfully, you don’t need to buy a brand-new car to take advantage of the tips we’ve discussed. At AvailableCar, you can find a wide range of used cars that are fuel-efficient and cost-effective. Browse our selection today to see what’s available.

AvailableCar Hub

Mirror, signal, manoeuvre your way to all our latest news, industry tips, car tech and much more.

View all posts

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