Looking to save money on fuel in the future? Petrol is an expensive commodity in today’s world, however there are many simple steps that van drivers can take to reduce their fuel consumption and save money.
Studies have revealed that every 1% decrease in tyre pressure correlates to 0.3% reduction in fuel economy. This is an easy and effective method of ensuring you increase your mileage per gallon as it is easily controllable. Purchasing your own tyre inflator or even visiting the local garage every few weeks can help save you money in the long run as under inflated tyres increases your vehicles drag, therefore increasing fuel consumption. Check your vehicle’s recommended tyre pressures by consulting the instruction manual or check the figures on the driver’s door to help save you money.
Another easy, controllable method which can be enforced on a day-to-day basis. Planning a route carefully can make significant savings to fuel consumption, by taking busy routes drivers will use more fuel stuck in slow moving traffic rather than using a quieter road with less traffic. Even if the route is longer, drivers can increase their fuel efficiencies as they will be driving at a steadier speed. Avoid starting or ending journeys in peak times or rush hour to avoid traffic and ensure you have a smooth journey.
Using a SatNav or Mobile Apps with live updates can help drivers before and during the journey. They include features that can help van drivers avoid congested roads and may even give advance warning of traffic problems or supply drivers with an alternative route. Having access to a SatNav or mobile app can improve a drivers fuel efficiencies and save them time during the day.
Being aware of your engine and using the gears efficiently can help reduce fuel consumption especially with the amount of driving some drivers do on a daily basis. Fuel consumption will increase when you spend long periods of time at lower gears, also over revving the engine causes poor fuel economy. Therefore, change to a higher gear well before 2500 revs and listen carefully to your engine to see a huge reduction in fuel consumption.
Heavy braking and quick acceleration could reduce your fuel economy by as much as 33% during highway driving. Good anticipation when driving your van and noticing potentially hazards will help to save fuel and keep you safe. Aggressive driving forces your car to switch gears at a faster rate than is optimal for fuel efficiency. Drivers who are able to anticipate the road conditions will start to slow down early and may avoid braking before accelerating again. Using your gears efficiently when accelerating again will help to save even more money.
Your van is arguably the most important asset to your business therefore keeping costs low can easily improve your profit margins.
Our commercial vehicle policies are flexible and great for placing multiple vehicles under one policy where young drivers can be considered. We also cater for those with an adverse claims record and new ventures with ‘no bonus’.
