How much money do you spend on the pumps each year? The average British driver on the roads spent over £2,500 in 2013 – and that look sets to increase considerably due to Brexit. But are there ways of cutting the costs of fuel and making your car as efficient as possible?
There are plenty of little things that you can do. Try regular maintenance, better driving, and checking your tyres regularly to get started. But, there are also some simple upgrades that can make even more of a difference. We’ve put together a quick guide as to what these upgrades are – and here are the results.
Vacuum gauge
You don’t need to know what a manifold vacuum is – all you need is an assurance it’s going to save you money. And it does – the bigger manifold vacuum in your car, the higher mileage you can expect for each litre of fuel. So, installing a vacuum gauge on your dash will give you everything you need to know. In essence, it tells you how well you are driving, and prompts you to change your driving techniques to improve efficiency.
Engine monitoring
All cars from the modern era come equipped with computerised on-board diagnostics systems. You will know them from the little warning lights that appear on your dash from time to time. But, it doesn’t tell you much other than ‘this needs fixing.’ Instead, use real-time engine monitoring by plugging it into your diagnostics – it can give you a lot more detail. Primarily, it will give you immediate feedback on your driving and how it is affecting your fuel mileage. Use it well, and you can become a better, more efficient driver in a couple of weeks.
Upgrade your tyres
The standard tyres that come with your car aren’t all that great. Sure, they do a job, but if you want more fuel efficiency, you will need to upgrade. Look for respected brands such as GT Radial tyres or from the likes of Dunlop. It’s amazing what a difference it can make to your fuel efficiency – assuming you keep them at optimum inflation.
Change your grounding cables
Grounding cables cost little to buy and only a couple of minutes to replace. And they make a considerable impact on your fuel efficiency, too. The grounding cables connect all your in-car devices to the negative terminal on your battery. And, if they start to fray or show signs of wear, it can lead to several issues which impact your overall mileage. It’s such a cheap fix that it seems silly not to check and change your grounding cables.
A clean and tidy
The best upgrade is also the cheapest and easiest – clean out your car. A lot of us use our vehicles as extra storage locations, but don’t for a minute think it is free. It will cost you – a lot – via your fuel, as any extra weight is going to create more work for your engine. Roof racks are a common culprit – as are spare tyres and sports equipment and heavy machinery. The less you have in your car, the better your fuel economy – it’s as simple as that.