It is true that fuel-efficient driving can save one a great deal of money. Preventing wear and tear on one’s vehicle, improving road safety and, ultimately, curbing carbon dioxide emissions through lowering a vehicle’s fuel consumption, all support greater fuel efficiency.

Chris Lett, Australian tyre recycler and owner of Branigans Tyres, provides some great fuel-saving tips to equip drivers to reduce fuel consumption, and increase economical awareness.

“Planning ahead helps; listen to traffic reports and avoid accidents, and other trouble spots. Mapping out one’s road journey before starting out is wise,” says Lett. “It is also important that road-users adopt the following fuel-efficient techniques and tips,” Lett adds.

Maintain a steady speed: When one’s speed begins to dip and burst inconsistently, more fuel is consumed. As a result, drivers end up filling their cars more often, which becomes costly. Where it is permitted, consider using cruise control for highway driving. Note, however, that the small variations in speed can be good when gravity assists. Also, if possible, decrease the speed when travelling uphill, as the motor will regain momentum as it rolls downhill. Fluctuating one’s speed between 75 and 85 km per hour every 18 seconds can increase fuel consumption by 20%, therefore, consistent speed regularly practiced on the roads will reduce this.

Avoid high-speeds: “Don’t crawl, and also, don’t rush,” says Lett. “Essentially, obey the speed limits and fuel-saving is one step closer,” Lett adds. Excessive speeding uses more fuel, as well as driving slowly using the highest gear. Maintaining a balance can be achieved if one adheres to the speed limit and uses the appropriate gear.

Monitor air-conditioner usage: A startling fact is that using the air-conditioner can increase one’s fuel consumption by 20%. When driving in the city, open the windows. If one does use the air-conditioner, utilise the re-circulate option to minimise the usage.

Accelerate gently: Take about five seconds to accelerate the vehicle up to 20km per hour from a stop. This will assist in fuel-efficiency. Never accelerate hard as that will lead to incurring unwanted costs for fuel.

Track fuel consumption: Evaluate how long one’s vehicle can go without filling the tank, be it a few weeks, maybe a month. Commit to the challenge of refilling only when the tank is close to empty as this may assist in reducing weekly or monthly fuel costs.

Avoid unnecessary idling: Turn off the engine, if the vehicle has stopped for more than a minute, unless one is in traffic,” says Lett.

“Following these steps will show results on both fuel consumption and the pocket,” says Lett. “Vehicle owners should be savvy in terms of fuel management,” adds Lett.

At Branigans Tyres, Chris Lett and his team ‘go green’ and are experts in the recycled tyre business. Branigans Tyres has well-established workshops in Burleigh Heads and Southport in the Gold Coast region. Check out their full range of services or current featured promotions. Branigans award-winning affordable tyre subscriptions package start at $7.97 and help motorists budget for their ongoing tyre needs.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to drive in at their convenience as no pre-bookings or appointments are required. Branches are situated at 13 Flagstone Drive, Burleigh Heads, contact number (07) 5535 2660 or 1/277 Southport-Nerang Rd, Southport contact number, (07) 5591 8633.

Written and Syndicated by: YDMA News