Driving Tips

Motoring Advice

Learner Drivers Car Control

Best Practice Motoring Advice

Driving Tips - Fuel Economy

It is very rare for a car to burn excessive amounts of fuel, especially the modern car. Any motorist who suspects their car to be burning excessive amounts of fuel should first of all look at their own driving techniques.

Having been in the motoring industry since I was 16 years old I have only ever once come across a car that burnt fuel by the bucket and it was my own car. The air filter was blocked causing my car to complete 15 mile to the gallon.
Having said that, you may well wonder 'What is the right fuel consumption for a particular car'
There is no set answer for that, although as a general rule the normal family car would be expected to complete around 40+ miles to the gallon. If your car does a lot less than that then look at your driving style.

Driving Style

Changing gears to a higher gear as soon as the traffic and road will allow can save around 10% off your fuel bill. Changing down to the lower gears as late as possible will also save on fuel. Changing down gears, when appropriate from 4th to 2nd, rather than 4th to 3rd to 2nd also saves fuel.
Anticipating a hazard well in advance should cause you to decelerate well before braking. Gently accelerating up to an appropriate speed helps as well.

Driving on snow

Driving on snow or ice will increase your stopping distance by up to 10 times that of a dry road. Keeping plenty of distance from the car in front is essential. When driving on snow you should drive in the highest gear possible to decrease the chance of your wheels spinning.
Should your wheels spin when moving off and you are in a front wheel drive car, you can turn your wheel s to see if you can find some grip.
If you have a rear wheel drive car then this is not possible you will only dig a bigger hole for yourself.