The price of fuel is higher than a billionaire's tax bill. In fact, at £1.34 per-litre for unleaded, it
now costs £93.80 to fill the 70-litre tank on a new Ford Mondeo. Even the compact Ford Fiesta
has a 42-litre tank, so it costs £56.28 to fill this run-around. Whatever car you own your driving
style has a major impact on consumption so the Institute of Advanced Motorists has a few tips:
- Read the road ahead - try to anticipate the traffic around you, for example, at traffic
lights, roundabouts and junctions. This reduces the need for hard acceleration and
braking - MPG killers. Cruise control is useful and economic for smooth driving on long
journeys.
- Stick to the speed limit - reducing speed from 85mph to 70mph can save up to a litre of
petrol every 20 miles.
- Switch off the engine - if you are going to stop for some time at a level crossing or slow-
changing lights. Small cars use 1.5p of petrol every minute and medium-sized cars lose
petrol and money at double this rate.
- Lighten the load - excess baggage or an empty roof box will increase your fuel
consumption. Check that the contents of your boot are essential, and remove the roof
box while not in use.
- Check your tyres - under-inflated tyres will increase your fuel consumption by up to
three per cent. Check tyre pressures when the tyres are cold, at least once a month.
- Get trained - take advantage of an IAM eco-driving course, which will teach you the
skills needed to increase your MPG.
By Stephen Turvil, motoring.co.uk
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