Petrol and diesel drivers could be boosting their fuel consumption by a staggering 25 percent simply by using one car lever, experts have suggested.
Greg Wilson, spokesperson for Quotezone, acknowledged that driving style can significantly influence the amount of petrol and diesel each driver consumes.
Higher revs lead to increased fuel usage, so it’s crucial to keep them low to save money. Shifting to higher gears promptly can also greatly affect fuel consumption.
Mr Wilson remarked: “Switching into the highest possible gear keeps the revs low which saves petrol. For example, at a 40mph speed, the car will consume 25 percent more fuel in third gear compared to fifth. Under normal conditions, the gears should be changed when the revs are between 1,500-2,000 rpm.”
A technical training manager at ATS Euromaster, Paul Maynard, agreed with this adding that motorists should always pay attention to their revs if they want to save fuel.
He explained: “The way you drive affects your fuel consumption. The more you accelerate, the more fuel you use. Ideally, stay under 3,000 revs, as a rough rule.
“Always drive in the highest gear possible without labouring the engine and change the gear much earlier than feels natural. Try not to hit the brakes too rapidly, as this leads to more acceleration, thus using more fuel.”
Additionally, experts at Vanarama noted: “Every time you apply the brakes, the energy that you’ve paid for in fuel is lost in heat generated by the brake pads and discs.
“Don’t rev the engine unnecessarily when accelerating, just move gently through the gears, keeping the engine speed to a reasonable level, but without labouring it by being in too high a gear.”
However, drivers have been warned that failing to make the most of the gearstick isn’t the only way to incur extra expenses with your car.
A representative from Motorcycle Insurance stated: “Resting your hand on the gear stick can put pressure on the transmission components, potentially causing premature wear and increasing repair costs over time.”
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