NEWS: Top Fuel Saving Tips

As a counter balance to all the red-hot-motorsport and wanton fuel abuse we cover in Road Magazine and with the cost of fuel still sky high and the threat of a triple dip recession hanging over us – here's some top fuel saving tips from road safety charity and award-winning breakdown cover company, GEM Motoring Assist, to eke out those extra miles per tankful.
GEM’s top tips for fuel efficient driving:
1. Engine efficiency: Get your car serviced regularly by a recognised garage to avoid a poorly tuned engine, which can use up to 50 per cent more fuel than a car that is well looked after.
2. Tyre tread: At least every month, check that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. If not, even with just one tyre deflated by 20 per cent, fuel consumption could rise by five per cent.
3. Lose weight: For every one per cent of the car’s weight that you add, fuel consumption could rise by one per cent, so take out anything that you don’t need in the car (golf clubs, push chairs, tool boxes etc.)
4. Eliminate short journeys: Cold engines are thirsty engines, so really short journeys will be relatively expensive if driving just a short distance. Opt to walk, or even cycle.
5. Plan ahead: Plan your journey to avoid road works, or getting lost, which causes an estimated 350,000 tons of fuel wastage each year.
6. Slow down: Most cars run at their most efficient at approximately 60 mph, and for every five mph above that you drive, you will lose six per cent of your fuel economy. Slow down to save money.
7. Air con: If not needed, switch the air con in your car off to reduce demand on the engine. However, ensure that it is on for several minutes at least every couple of weeks to prevent a build up of harmful bacteria in the system.
8. Exploring for fuel: Don’t go out of your way to make a saving, as you could spend more on getting to a cheaper dealer, so fill up when you are passing, rather than making a separate journey.

David Williams MBE, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist comments: “We believe that there are simple yet effective steps for motorists to ensure that the fuel they pay for goes as far as possible. Even as petrol prices aren’t currently on the rise, it is always good practice to follow fuel efficient driving and get the most out of a car’s fuel tank.”

Thanks for the image by staff snapper, Neil Denham.

PROMO: Onlinecarparts Maintenance Top £ Saving Tips

Our pals at the very handy www.OnlineCarparts.co.uk offer up some obvious, but useful top money saving tips for running your motor: 

They say: "In today’s world, it seems like having a car is not a sign of luxury any more. Nevertheless, the maintenance of your vehicle could cost you a bundle. That’s why many car owners are looking for the new ways to save money on car repairs and expenses. Naturally, the more cost-saving measures you adopt, the more money you’ll save. However, when you purchase a repair, you have to think about its quality not just its value. Visit here to find out how we can help you keep your motoring costs down. And follow these simple top tips:

1. Do not fill your vehicle up with petrol, diesel, LPG (etc.) if the fuel cost is at least 10 pence more expensive than average. It really adds up. Shop around.
2. Use air conditioning and heating systems only when you are sure you really need them, as they consume an incredible amount of fuel that will lead to unjustified financial losses.
3. Do your best to keep the air con off when you are at lower speeds (under 50mph). And we strongly recommend you should close windows at higher speeds and use your air conditioning or the heating system only if you need them.
4. Buy car repairs that are cheap but of the best possible quality. Buying repairs via the internet has become one of the most popular ways of reducing your expenses on car maintenance. Using Online Car Parts you save a lot of money and time enjoying all the benefits – find the repairs you are looking for, compare the prices, do shopping 24 hours a day and 365 day per year. Normally the prices of the online shops are lower compared to a normal autoshop, as the online shop don't have to pay for the expensive overheads, like renting, additional taxes, wages, staff training, etc. At the same time you can find the great car repair brands like Bosch, Beru, Sachs, Luk, Hella, Valeo, Febi, Bilstein, TRW, Ate, K&N, Metzger and so on."
Well worth a look at their site... here.