Motorists can make “a significant impact” on their fuel use by altering how they use their gear stick…
Motorists could slash their fuel usage by a whopping “25 percent” just by tweaking how they handle the gear stick in their vehicles, according to car experts at Elite Garages. They’ve highlighted that simply by choosing a higher gear, drivers can significantly cut down on acceleration and save on petrol and diesel without having to reduce their speed.
This is because higher gears lower the engine’s revolutions per minute (RPM), leading to less friction and better fuel efficiency. Elite Garages shared some wisdom: “How you use your gears can have a significant effect on your car’s fuel efficiency. In general, the higher the gear, the lower the engine speed, which can lead to fuel savings.”
They added, “For instance, driving at 60mph in third gear will use up to 25 percent more fuel than in fifth gear. So, it’s better to move up to a higher gear as soon as it’s safe and practical.”
The experts at MotorMatch agree that gear changes are important for conserving fuel. “Gear shifts are something you should keep an eye on as they can drastically impact your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Make sure that you’re driving in the right gear for the right speed, shifting up and down at the right time can help to improve fuel economy.”
Additionally, fuel prices have been falling, with RAC Fuel Watch reporting that petrol is now at its cheapest since July 2021, costing 134.92p per litre, while diesel has dropped to 139.86p from over 150p earlier in the year. And there was more good news for traditional combustion engines drivers this month as Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a freeze on fuel duty rates for the 14th year in a row, amidst rumours that costs might climb.