Cost of Living: How to make your fuel go further
While the price of petrol and diesel in 2023 has been dropping following a volatile year, the cost of living crisis means that we are all looking for ways to save money wherever we can. On top of the price of buying fuel for your vehicle, you will also be spending money on maintenance, insurance, services and MOT’s. All of this can really add up, which is why many drivers are looking for ways to make their money go further.
The following are some changes that you can make to the way that you drive to ensure that you are getting the most out of the fuel that you pay for during the cost of living crisis.
Fill up with High Quality Fuel
Where you fill up may make a difference to your vehicle. Shell FuelSave fuels utilises DYNAFLEX Technology, which helps to clean and protect your engine, instantly forming a protective layer in critical parts of your engine, helping it to run more smoothly and efficiently. It also utilises an anti-foaming agent, which helps to reduce the time it takes to refuel.
Accelerate and brake gently
Excessive speed, harsh acceleration and braking are all things that could get you in trouble. Not only are they more likely to cause an accident, but could see your vehicle use fuel much faster. Rather than slamming on the breaks, try to lower your foot gently. Easing into a stop can help your car be more fuel-efficient and make you a safer driver. The RAC also recommend driving in as high a gear as possible while still sticking to the speed limit.
Drive smoothly
Developing a smooth driving technique is another way to reduce fuel consumption during the cost of living crisis. For example, if you’re approaching traffic lights, slow down early so that they may have changed by the time you reach them, meaning that you may not have to stop at all.
Always look far ahead to anticipate traffic condition and the behaviour of other road users. Situational awareness doesn’t just mean knowing what’s happening around you, but also looking ahead to see what is happening further down the road. Slowing down and coming to a complete stop and then having to speed up again is what uses fuel the most. Keeping the momentum of the vehicle is the best way to be more fuel-efficient, and anticipating what will happen can help with that.
Check your tyres
Halfords, which conducts over 800,000 MOTs in the UK each year added that it advises UK motorists that their tyres are dangerously low on tread, but many drive away assuming it must be fine if they are within legal limits.
The difference in stopping distance between tyres in ‘good’ condition and worn condition with 1.6mm tread is an additional 89ft – up to 36%. A car with this level of tread is technically legal and would pass an MOT. You should always ensure that your tyres are in good order, but particularly in the winter months. You need to ensure that your tyres are not worn and the tread is within the legal limit.
Although legally, your tyres must be 1.6mm, when driving in winter, try to keep the tyre tread at least 3mm deep. This will give you more grip on the road, and more control of the car. As well as checking the thread, check for cracks and bulges, particularly if your tyres are older. You can be fined a lot of money if your tyres are not in working order, not to mention it being dangerous, so it is essential that you check them properly and replace them if required.
Lighten the load
Lightening the load can have a big effect on your fuel efficiency. Heavier vehicles are harder to get moving and eat up more fuel. Taking unnecessary items out of your vehicle and lightening the load is a simple way to improve your fuel efficiency.
Combining journeys can also help you improve your fuel consumption. Keeping your engine warm can improve its efficiency. So doing one long round trip rather than several smaller trips can help your engine run more efficiently and cut down on fuel during the cost of living crisis.
Avoid traffic
Plan your journey ahead of time to find the most convenient route, as well as avoiding traffic. You can use our fuel station locator app to find the most convenient locations to fuel up. Our fuel cards offer an excellent way to manage and monitor fuel consumption.
Our telematics devices link to live traffic data. This assesses your journey in real-time and sets you on the most optimal route. By avoiding congested areas, drivers can get to their destinations quicker. Telematics devices will also assist to cut down on idling, as they register when your car is not moving and your engine is left on.
Fuel Cards
At Cambrian Fuel Card Services, we have a portfolio of fuel cards with a current network of over 8000 UK sites, including access to an extensive electric vehicle charging network under our Shell EV card.
Fuel cards are an excellent way to manage and monitor the fuel consumption of your business vehicles.
Putting all your refuelling costs under one account with us, makes it easier for you to save time and money. Fuel cards make fuel purchases easier and negate the need for drivers to keep receipts and reclaim their money. For businesses, they offer considerable savings on fuel costs, they take up less administrative resources, they are a secure method of payment and they can be used to pay for more than just fuel.
Fuel cards will allow a business to purchase fuel at a wholesale cost, which can mean significant financial savings during the cost of living crisis. It allows you to budget your business expenses more effectively, and you will know the cost of fuel each week as it remains at a fixed weekly price.
Useful Links
To find out more about our fuel cards, click here.
To learn how our telematics solutions will help your fleet become more efficient and effective, click here.