Do not get short!
The Fuelcard Company is warning fleet companies to take extra care with their fuel usage as the bad weather threatens to leave tens of thousands of motorists across the country with no fuel.
Businesses are being urged to deliver emergency fuel efficiency driving training and double check their route planning, particularly when travelling in rural areas hit the hardest by the crisis.
Some forecourts have already run out of fuel and others could run out of diesel soon, according to The Retail Motor Industry Independent Petrol Retailers Association (RMI), which represents around two thirds of the UK’s 9,000 petrol forecourt sites.
“The way in which we drive can have a massive affect on fuel consumption.
Speeding, aggressive acceleration and sudden braking can increase fuel usage by as much as 40 percent. Simply slowing down a little and maintaining a steady speed to avoid excessive braking or acceleration will reduce fuel usage significantly. Driving in as high a gear as possible and reducing the revs also advisable to help preserve fuel. If ever there was a time to start fuel efficiency driving training – it’s now, when companies need to make their fuel last as long as possible until the oil crisis has been resolved. Fleet companies should also be prepared to revise their planned route to avoid rural filling stations away from the main truck roads, which are likely to be the first to run dry and last to refill,” he said. “Fuel efficiency will become even more necessary as the Winter weather conditions worsen and snow becomes more commonplace,” says Jakes de Kock, Marketing Director of The Fuelcard Company.
Here are five top tips for drivers to make that precious diesel go further:
1. Check Tyre Pressure
Inflating tyres to the maximum recommended air pressure means less energy is required to move the vehicle. Under-inflated tyres can increase rolling resistance by approximately 1.4 percent for every 1 psi (0.1 bar) drop in pressure of all four tires.
2. Switch Off
In the UK it’s actually illegal to idle when waiting for someone at the side of the road and engines should always be switched off if planning to be stationary for a lengthy period of time. Some new car models are being developed with an automatic engine cut off, and manufacturers have identified a reduction in fuel consumption by up to 10 percent.
3. Reduce the Revs
Driving in heavy traffic requires a lot of stopping and starting using low gears which requires the most power and thus uses the most fuel. Where possible, drive in a higher gear – but don’t speed to achieve this. Try not to ‘rev’ the engine before changing gears as this will mean more fuel is used. Simply move through the gears smoothly until you reach a comfortable gear for the road.
5. Regular Services
Dirty oil, clogged sparkplugs and faulty thermostats can increase fuel consumption, so ensure your car is serviced regularly. Regular services make sure your spark plugs (if applicable), air filter and fuel filter are clean.
These can save you a lot on fuel.
5. Close the Windows
By driving with the windows or sunroof open, you’re ruining the vehicle’s aerodynamics, meaning the engine has to work harder to push the car through the air.
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