Fuel Efficiency: With fuel prices rising ever upwards, a few simple checks can reduce your costs considerably.

Check oil • Check tyres • Check your speed

• Oil and water
  Check out the basics. Thirty years ago, ignoring the basic checks meant trouble. Now we’re led to believe our cars check themselves. True, some do check some things. Other don’t. There’s no hard and fast rule.

  As a rule of thumb, your oil level should be checked with the dipstick every month to maintain optimum levels. Its colour and condition also say a lot about your car’s health – new oil is light amber and relatively clear, becoming darker over time. If it looks extremely dark or grimy, it may need changing. You should also check for bubbles or foam, a milky appearance or a strong smell of fuel – which may indicate a problem.

  Give us a call and we’re happy to show you how to check the basics yourself, free of charge.

• Choose the right octane fuel
  Check the owner’s manual for the correct octane for your car. Using an octane grade too low for your vehicle can result in something other than the spark plug igniting the fuel in the engine. The on board computer detects any abnormal ignitions and protects the engine from damage by slowing the timing. Which affects engine performance and, crucially, miles per gallon.

  Don’t be tempted to upgrade to a more expensive octane than your manufacturer recommends.

• Fuel additives
  Fuel contains additives designed to clean your engine and make it work more efficiently. Some make the fuel burn better, improving performance and reducing emissions.

  The big fuel wholesalers often buy fuel without the additive package to keep cost down, then pass some of this saving on to the consumer.

  If you buy cheap fuel regularly, chances are your engine isn’t running as efficiently as it could. Consider filling up with a premium fuel from a known brand petroleum company every fourth fill.

  Alternatively, ask us about additives – add to your tank every six months and ensure your engine is in peak condition. This applies to both petrol and diesel engines.
  

• Look after your tyres
  Check out the owner’s manual for recommended tyre pressures and check tyres regularly. An under–inflated tyre creates extra rolling resistance, makes your car work harder and reduces fuel efficiency. An over–inflated tyre reduces rubber contact with the road and is dangerous!

• Change your air filter.
  Air is vital to the combustion process which drives your car. A dirty air filter prevents the cylinders drawing sufficient air into the air/fuel mix – resulting in poor fuel economy.

• Don’t carry crap in your car!
  The lighter your car, the more fuel efficient it is.

• Slow down
  Driving at higher speeds burns more fuel. Slowing from 65 to 55mph, for example, can represent a 20% reduction in fuel consumption.