Though the climate is changing, driving a car still represents a necessity for so many. But to minimise the environmental impact of driving, as well as saving money in the process, it’s important to adopt a fuel efficient approach when behind the wheel. This is all about practicing good driving techniques to minimise the amount of fuel you use, leading to both environmental and financial benefits in the short and long term.
During the winter, cars become less fuel efficient as a result of the colder conditions. Due to a combination of factors, including warming up the engine’s oil in cold weather, and the use of window defrosters, heaters, seat heaters, lights, and windscreen wipers, winter fuel consumption is nearly always higher than in summer, with motorists paying the price.
While additional winter costs are unavoidable, there are ways to minimise the consequences. So, we’ve teamed up with Green Flag, to bring you these; our 5 IDEAL tips for fuel efficient driving this winter.
DON’T LEAVE YOUR CAR IN IDLE
Rather than leaving your car to idle for several minutes before driving, it’s always best to drive off straight away once you’ve initiated the engine. Leaving your car to idle has no effect on the car’s performance, and while your vehicle is sitting in the driveway with its engine on, fuel is being wasted and air polluted. Lots of drivers want to let the engine warm the car up to defrost ice on the windshield, however, it’s best to use a scraper and de-icer on the windshield to clear ice prior to getting in, and then to get on with your journey as soon as possible to make the best use of your fuel.
AVOID SHORT TRIPS
Try to get all your car journeys done in one longer trip, rather than heading out on lots of short journeys. As your car runs over the course of a drive, it heats up to its optimum temperature, and the fuel injector gradually reduces the amount of fuel being injected into the engine. When driving short distances, the engine never reaches this optimum temperature. By linking your journeys together, you can keep the engine warmer and more fuel efficient, rather than making it start from cold every time.
LIMIT USE OF ELECTRICS
Think about the electrics being used in your vehicle, and whether you need all of them on. During winter, cars use their lights more, have their heater fan running, have heated front and rear windows on to clear the frost, and might even have heated seating switched on. All these electric systems are putting a strain on the battery, which is in turn making the engine work harder and burning more fuel. Try putting on an extra layer or two before your drive and keeping the seat heating off, or de-frosting your windows before driving rather than having the engine do it for you.
ENSURE YOUR TYRES ARE INFLATED
Make sure your tyres are properly inflated as deflated tyres will cause additional drag and slow your car down. This is extra important in winter as low air temperatures cool the tyres down and reduce their pressure further, the knock-on effect of which can negatively impact fuel efficiency. Keeping your tyres healthy is always a good idea, however, it’s even more crucial in winter when your car is facing wet and icy roads.
GET ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT
It’s now irrefutable. The planet is burning and things need to drastically change. So instead of seeking a saving on your car travel, it might be prudent (well, not ‘might’, it definitely will be prudent) to stop using your car at all, and prioritise walking except in emergencies. Your bank balance will be healthier, and more importantly, so will you and the planet. There really is no reason not to.
If your heart really is set on car travel, then an alternative, more affordable (not to mention sustainable) way to travel could see you starting up a carpool system. If your work requires you to travel for a conference, for example, then organising a carpool which takes multiple team members to the same destination is a much more cost-effective way of travelling for all involved.
Additionally, consider using an on-site refueling service to ensure your car is always ready for the journey without the need for extra trips to the petrol station, further enhancing your fuel efficiency.