Diesel fuel and Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency tips

Fuel costs constitute about a third of the total vehicle operating costs. Such a major cost area has attracted plenty of attention over the years and continues to do so, hence the continuing development of more fuel efficient engines which are, at the same time, increasingly environmentally friendly.

There have been major improvements over the last 10 years in engineering a cleaner vehicle incorporating reductions in the amount of fuel being used together with technology such as engine management systems and emission control devices. Alternative fuels are gradually finding niche markets too, as innovative fleet operators and fuel suppliers jointly develop new products.

Before your journey:

• Plan your journey before setting off. Utilise website and sat-nav information to plan the best route avoiding, where possible, congestion and roadworks.
• Remove any unnecessary loads. The extra weight increases fuel consumption.
• Check tyre pressures regularly. Under-inflated tyres are dangerous, wear out more quickly and increase fuel consumption.

While you’re driving:

• Drive calmly. Avoid harsh braking and acceleration. Pulling away too fast can use up to six per cent more fuel.
• Concentrate, observe, anticipate. Maintain a smooth driving style that avoids accidents and saves fuel.
• Brakes to slow, gears to go. Slow the vehicle using the brakes, engage the correct gear for your speed and by-pass all intermediate gears.
• Don’t pump the accelerator or rev the engine unnecessarily.
• Skip-shift (block shift) gears where it is safe to do so.
• Pull away in the right gear.
• Use cruise control on open roads and where it is safe to do so.
• Switch off the engine in traffic jams and whilst waiting at levels crossings.
• Watch your speed. Always travel at a safe speed according to the conditions. Remember the speed limit is a maximum in relevant conditions, not a target at any cost.
• Know your average miles per gallon (MPG).