Heading
Close X
Menu
The way you drive has as much impact on fuel consumption and emissions output as the actual vehicle. There are many ways you can change your driving style to boost fuel efficiency and reduce the amount of pollutants entering the atmosphere, as we explain on this page.
Erratic driving where you change lanes often, accelerate hard, and stop frequently all harm fuel economy and place unnecessary strain on your vehicle’s components. When you are on the move try to keep the revs between 2,000rpm and 3,000rpm. The best time to change gear is around 2,500rpm in a petrol car and 2,000rpm in a diesel.
Meeting the manufacturer’s servicing schedule gives all of your vehicle’s most important components proper care and attention, making sure they perform at their very best.
Under-inflated tyres increase a vehicle’s resistance on the road, causing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Find out the correct level from your car or van’s owner’s manual and inflate to between 0.1 to 0.3 bars higher than the amount shown.
Your vehicle’s engine works harder when more weight is on board, so by removing items you don’t need to carry you can save fuel. Check the boot for any seasonal items that aren’t required, such as a winter shovel when spring arrives. You should also take the roof rack off when it isn’t in use, as it adds weight and increases resistance.
The engine powers the air conditioning unit, so check that it isn’t left on even when you don’t need it. Opening a window as an alternative can use even more fuel however. It is best to use the air conditioning feature in small amounts, heating or cooling the cabin before turning it off but keeping the windows closed.
You can take steps to save fuel long before you pull away. Plan your route in advance, especially if you are travelling a long distance, so that you follow the most efficient route. This could mean avoiding start-stop traffic and instead sticking to motorways. Planning ahead also helps to prevent you from getting lost, which is another common way in which fuel is wasted.
Finally, if your model has multiple driving modes, stay in the eco setting as much as possible. This feature adjusts engine output to maximise fuel economy and keep emissions low.
Economical driving starts with an efficient vehicle. Click through to our new car and van pages to browse every model on sale at Gates Ford today. For servicing and maintenance, enquire with your nearest dealership or book online.