The average cost of a litre of unleaded petrol today is 115pence.
Ten years ago it was 87.5pence.
We all know that fuel prices fluctuate but generally that price on the garage forecourts is getting bigger.
Unless we switch to an electric or hybrid car (and this option is a very valid one…read more about going electric by clicking here, fuel costs are just a fact of driving.
Whether you’re driving a second hand vehicle or a brand new lease car, some basic driving tips that increase fuel efficiency are surely always welcome – here’s some of our top ones.
- Good maintenance of your car can increase efficiency. This includes regular servicing (if your lease agreement includes a maintenance package, even better!) using the right spec of engine oil and ensuring your tyre pressures are at the correct level
- Lose weight! Now we’re not suggesting you go on a diet …..that’s all on you but you can save weight in terms of items you’re storing in your boot! Extra weight means extra fuel so don’t be a hoarder
- During the winter months, leaving your car engine running for 15 minutes each morning whilst the windscreen defrosts will waste fuel – scrape rather than idle
- If you’re driving a new lease car you may have built in sat-nav! Use it! Getting lost and driving 20 miles round the houses wastes fuel.
- Drive smoothly, accelerate and decelerate gently – let’s leave racing to the F1 drivers!
- Do you really need the air con or heat blasting? Excessive use will decrease fuel efficiency – is the car a bit stuffy? Open a window, especially if you’re driving slowly around town
- New cars have a plethora of electrics – but do you really need to heat your front or rear windscreens? Do you need your seat warmers on for the whole journey? By all means use these luxuries but once you’re warm, switch them off
- Stick to the limit! Driving at 80mph on the motorway will use up to 25% more fuel than sticking to 70mph!
- DON’T coast!! It used to be common to roll down hill out of gear – thought to be fuel saving! Well, it might be but it also puts you wildly out of control of your car – please don’t risk your safety for better fuel consumption
- DON’T switch off unless you are likely to be stationery for around 3 minutes. Your new lease car may have a stop/start system but this clever kit ensures the engine only stops if it restarts (you may notice stop/start doesn’t work when your engine is cold.) You don’t want to get stranded on a busy junction
We’ll end with a bit of geekery!!
The UK is at number 16 in the list of most expensive countriesto fill your car up!
Hong Kong, Norway and the Netherlands top the poll and if you want to pay the least – move to Kuwait!!
Check out our latest car leasing offers - unbeatable deals from under £100/month
