8 fuel-efficient driving tips to help you save cash on your car rental
Want to save money when renting a car? Fuel efficiency is key. Find out more in our how-to guide.
Are you getting ready to rent a car? Unless you feel especially flush, you'll probably shop around for a good deal. But did you know you can cut the overall cost by driving in a more fuel-efficient way?
See, fuel-efficient driving doesn't just cut your carbon emissions. It can also cut your fuel payments. And if you're driving an electric vehicle, these habits can lead to a longer charge on the battery.
Yes, fuel-efficient driving is all about making new habits. Going easy on the gas as you climb a hill on a Tuesday afternoon won't make a dent in your fuel costs. But as it becomes habitual, you'll start to notice a small but meaningful difference.
Here, then, are eight tips for fuel-efficient driving. We hope they help you save cash on your car rental.
1. Take it easy
Ever tried to walk slowly at a busy train station? It's hard to do. When everyone is racing, it's natural to try to keep up.
But in the context of driving, high speed is the biggest gas-guzzler. If you want to save on fuel, it's essential to take it easy on the right foot and accelerate as gently as possible.
The obvious rejoinder is that you need to move quickly enough that you avoid becoming a hazard to other drivers. But you can do so without pounding the pedal like a racing car driver.
Like all aspects of good driving, there's a secret to getting this right – and luckily for you, it's pretty straightforward. The trick is to drive in the highest possible gear without breaking the speed limit.
If you're driving in a built-up area, you should aim to cycle through the gears as quickly as you can with the lowest number of revs you can.
2. Lose weight
No, we're not suggesting you should go on a diet before every car journey. But the more weight your car is carrying, the more fuel you have to use.
Fifty kilograms of excess weight, for instance, translates into a two percent increase in fuel consumption – and those percents add up.
So, before you head out on your next road trip, commute or other car journey, make sure you're not driving with a cluttered boot or unnecessary roof rack.
3. Refuel promptly
The harder the engine works, the more fuel it uses. So, when you're starting to run low on fuel, it pays to fill up as soon as possible.
Waiting for the red light means you're pushing the engine to its limits – and it's your bank balance that feels the pinch.
4. Plan your route
Getting lost isn't just annoying. It's expensive, too. Unnecessary detours require extra fuel – and extra fuel is going to cost you.
Most of us are busy, of course, and planning a route can seem like a chore. But it can be as simple as punching your journey into the GPS to check for any detours ahead.
5. Go easy on the air-con
If your rental vehicle has air-con, you might be tempted to blast it as soon as the sun comes out. But did you know that using air-con means you're using more fuel?
Moderation is key. We're not suggesting you should deny yourself some cooling air on a hot day. But try to use it only when absolutely necessary.
This goes for the heating, too. If it's a cold day, dress for the occasion and the pennies will take care of themselves.
6. Reverse park
Reversing with a cold engine uses up way more fuel than simply driving straight out of your parking space. For this reason, it pays to always reverse park where possible.
7. Only use cruise control on flat roads
Cruise control is typically used on motorways for a reason. On a flat surface, it stops you from accelerating unnecessarily and saves you fuel.
On bumpy or irregular terrain, however, it can lead you into problems. To take one example, cruise control will keep the power on for longer than you would when mounting a hill.
This isn't going to make a difference on a single drive. But over time, it can add up. Use cruise control only on flat roads for maximum fuel efficiency.
8. De-ice
Driving in a winter wonderland? Make sure to scrape the ice off the windows rather than idle until it's melted. In the long run, that little bit of elbow grease could shave pounds off your fuel payments.
What is hypermiling?
Back in the 2000s, gas prices were on the rise. In response, some drivers took to hypermiling – an approach to driving that maximises energy efficiency at all costs.
Many of the tips we've covered today are included in the hypermiling handbook. But it also includes some dubious techniques such as tailgating and slipstreaming. These put fuel efficiency above safety and should be avoided.
In our opinion, hypermiling includes a lot of good practices. However, you don't need to fully subscribe to it to be a fuel-efficient driver.
How your rental company can help
So far, we've looked at the responsibility of drivers to take care of fuel efficiency. But what about the rental company?
Regular maintenance and servicing are vital to fuel efficiency. From tyre pressure to under-the-bonnet checks, a well-maintained car is a fuel-efficient car.
This is why it's important to choose an experienced and reputable car rental company. Its staff will ensure that cars are roadworthy and economical with fuel before letting you drive off.
At MVH Rental, all our vehicles are fully serviced and valeted before they're allowed on the road. Choose us and you can rest assured that the maintenance side of fuel efficiency has been taken care of.
Looking to
rent a car in the North East? Call MVH Rental on (0191) 4888 700 for a quick, competitive quote.
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