Fuel is a huge overhead cost for all transport companies, but by learning some easy fuel-efficiency techniques, you can reduce the amount of money you spend on petrol and help the environment at the same time. As well as reducing our CO2 emissions, the way we drive can cut annual fuel consumption by 10%, which translates to savings of around £120 for a typical car. The larger your vehicle, the bigger the saving.
Top fuel-efficiency tips
Avoid idling your vehicle. Couriers spend a lot of time idling in driveways and lay-bys, getting nowhere and wasting fuel. Unless you are in traffic, turn off your engine if you are going to be stopped for more than 30 seconds.
Choose the correct gear. Driving in a gear lower than you need wastes fuel; as does leaving the vehicle in top gear on corners and hills. Change up through the gears and into top gear as soon as possible without accelerating harder than necessary.
Get your vehicle serviced regularly. Couriers with heavy workloads sometimes leave too much time between services. Cleaner oil and a new air filter means more efficient driving, and a poorly tuned engine can use up to 50% more fuel.
Keep your tyres inflated to the correct pressures. Under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by as much as 6%. Consult the vehicle’s manual to determine the correct tyre inflation, and check the pressure at least once a month. Always use your own tyre gauge for consistent results.
Cut down your use of air conditioning. When driving in the city, using the air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10%. Unless it’s very hot, use the flow-through ventilation instead. Couriers driving newer vehicles need not be as concerned about this, as air conditioning units have become far more fuel-efficient in recent years.
Remember these tips and have a fuel-efficient journey!