Fuel Saving Tips - Tips on the road

Change up early

• Don't wait for the red line on the rev counter before changing gear. Use first gear just to get the car moving and change into second once it's moved through its own length.

• High gears are more economical. In most cars you can change into third at around 20 mph, fourth at 25 mph, and fifth as early as 30 mph. Use your gear change indicator, if fitted.

• If traffic allows, you can skip a gear as you change up, from third into fifth for example – it won't harm your engine.

• Our innovative DSG, Multitronic and S-tronic gearboxes are designed to choose the most efficient engine speed. Keep them in fully automatic mode for the best economy, and avoid activating kick-down unless you really need it!

Let it roll

• Coasting with the car in gear, but your foot off the accelerator. uses no fuel because the supply will be shut off. So when approaching a red light, for example, take your foot off the accelerator and let the car roll.

• Only depress the clutch if the car's going too slowly. With the clutch depressed, the engine will simply tick over at idling speed.

• Some vehicles have a multi-function display which you can use to monitor your current fuel consumption. That way you can see the fuel-saving effects.

• Idling while stationary for just three minutes uses as much fuel as driving one kilometre at 30 mph, so it makes sense to switch off at red lights if you have to wait more than 20 seconds. Use the Stop-Start function if it is fitted.

• But remember – never switch the engine off while the car is moving.

Look well ahead

• Anticipation means being ahead of the game – if you know well in advance that you’ll need to slow down, you can adjust your speed gently and economically.

• Try to be aware of road conditions several seconds (or more) ahead, not just those between you and the car in front.

• Don’t accelerate unless you are sure you will able to maintain the new speed. Otherwise it’s just a waste of fuel. 

• Anticipation is not just more economical – it’s safer as well.

Drive smoothly and steadily

• Braking and accelerating sharply use energy, and take more fuel than travelling at a steady speed.

• Maintaining a constant moderate speed, suitable for the road conditions, is more efficient than trying to beat the traffic.

• Avoid harsh acceleration. You’ll get there just as soon, and you won’t only save fuel; there’ll be less wear and tear on the car - and on your nerves as well. 

• Where fitted, cruise control is a good way of keeping to a steady speed for a long distance, if traffic conditions permit.

• Leave plenty of space between your car and the one in front. This will give you more time to anticipate, and to adjust your speed gently if you need to.

Use equipment sparingly

• Air conditioning can use a lot of energy, especially in hot weather. The cooler you want it compared with outside, the more fuel you’ll use.

• Even just keeping the temperature steady – particularly at low speeds – aircon can raise fuel consumption by up to 2 litres/100 km.

• Try to stop the car heating up while it is parked – park in the shade if you can, or use a foldable sun screen.

• When you start off, and while moving at low speeds, open the windows to help cool down the car.

• Close the windows and begin to use the aircon when driving at higher speeds, as open windows cause aerodynamic drag on the move.

• In winter, you can use the aircon to help demisting, and then switch it off when the windows are clear.

• Be sure to switch off all screen and seat heating as soon as their job is done.

Article source: www.skoda.co.uk