Beat the Fuel Crisis with Smart Driving

Record petrol and diesel prices are a concern for drivers everywhere. To find solutions, we turned to driving experts to learn techniques for maximizing fuel efficiency.

Impressive Results: Up to 25% Savings

After a training session with Evan Morris from Red Driver Training, the trip computer showed a remarkable 60.4mpg. “That’s not an unusual improvement,” Morris stated, “typically we see savings of around 11% or so but I’ve seen as much as 50%.” This is a significant increase compared to the Dacia Sandero Stepway’s official 50.4mpg.

Fuelsave Techniques: A Holistic Approach

Red Driver Training’s Fuelsave techniques focus on extracting the most from every drop of fuel. Before starting, a quick check of tyre pressures is crucial – every fifth tank of fuel is affected by rolling resistance, meaning every PSI counts. Removing unnecessary weight from the vehicle, including roof racks, also improves economy.

Small Habits, Big Impact

Morris emphasized the importance of small changes. Starting the engine after buckling up, and setting the sat-nav or radio before driving, all contribute to better MPG. These seemingly minor adjustments can add up to noticeable savings.

Testing the Techniques on Real Roads

To demonstrate the potential savings, two identical laps were completed on a typical route – a 17.1-mile round trip including urban and country roads. The first lap served as a baseline, driven without guidance. The initial average of 48.0mpg was already higher than usual, presenting a challenge for Morris.

Focus on Momentum and Observation

During the second lap, Morris provided real-time commentary, focusing on maintaining momentum. He explained the importance of looking far ahead – “Look far, mid, near and rear. Most people look too near.” – to anticipate hazards and optimize speed. The goal is to minimize effort required to get the car moving.

Positioning and Planning for Efficiency

Proper positioning on the road, for both visibility and progress, is key. Using higher gears and a light touch on the accelerator are also vital. Morris noted that modern drivers only actively concentrate on driving about 20% of the time, and these techniques increase focus for both safety and economy.

The Results: A 25% Improvement

The second lap yielded a remarkable 60.4mpg, a 12mpg improvement – a 25% increase – over the first lap. This equates to approximately £25 in savings on a £100 fuel fill-up. These savings were achieved while maintaining the same average speed, with the climate control running.

Investing in Fuel Efficiency

Learning these skills costs roughly the same as a couple of fuel tank refills. With the potential for significant savings and the added benefit of reducing environmental impact, it’s a worthwhile investment. Kyle Fortune concluded that the experience was enlightening and enjoyable.