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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Felix Reeves & Katie Williams

Drivers urged to follow common hypermiling fuel-saving tip as petrol prices rise

The cost of living is rising and the price of petrol is expected to continue to increase.

It might not be the cheapest time to be a driver as RAC Fuel Watch predicts that the cost of fuel is 'likely to rise' with unleaded petrol selling at an average of 183.16p per litre and diesel at 188.82p a litre, as Express reports.

Drivers are now being urged to try certain techniques to boost their fuel economy and avoid spending extra on petrol when it could have been avoided. Some motorists have already tried some hypermiling techniques to boost their fuel economy, but road users are now being advised to try them.

READ MORE - DWP makes major change to fit note system for workers in Scotland

Mark Akbar, Managing Director at CarStore, suggested that drivers could utilise some of the hypermiling techniques to help lower their fuel bills.

He said: “As prices at the pump are increasing rapidly and the cost-of-living crisis escalates, it’s more important than ever that drivers make the most out of every drop of fuel, improving driving economy and saving themselves money in the process.

“There are many different techniques and habits you can incorporate into everyday driving that will have a positive impact on your vehicle's fuel economy.

“Try following even just a few of CarStore’s tips and tricks below and you may be pleasantly surprised just how much difference a change in driving style and habits can make to the miles per gallon you’ll achieve.”

Under-inflated tyres

The performance of the tyres can be a major factor in terms of fuel economy.

Although estimates vary, under-inflated tyres could be increasing your fuel consumption from anywhere between three per cent and 10 per cent.

The legal limit for minimum depth of the tread on tyres is 1.6 millimetres, across the central three-quarters of the tread around the complete circumference of the tyre.

Using gears correctly

Drivers are urged not to over-rev the engine as it uses more fuel and makes the engine work harder by being in a gear that’s too low for the speed and terrain.

Generally, petrol cars are at their most economical between 1500 and 2500 rpm, and diesel is usually between 1300 and 2000 rpm and cars are most efficient when driving between 45 and 50mph, according to the RAC.

Speed limits

Driving above the national speed limit at 80mph instead of 70mph will use an extra 10 percent of fuel and you could be facing a speeding ticket on top of wasting money.

Slowing down and speeding up increases fuel usage in a big way, so letting the car continue to move using the exact cruising speed whenever possible is one of the most efficient ways to drive.

Avoid idling

When a car is at a standstill and the engine is turned on and idling, the car will get zero miles per gallon from the fuel.

Many modern cars with "stop/start" technology save fuel by turning the engine off while the vehicle is stationary.

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