Drivers urged to remove item from their car to improve fuel efficiency

The vehicle insurance provider Zego has shared a simple tip that can help motorists improve the fuel economy of their vehicle without drastically changing the way they drive.

With the RAC noting that petrol typically cost 147.88p per litre during May 2024, many motorists are looking for tips that can help them reduce the fuel consumption of their vehicle.

A spokesperson for Zego noted that one of the easiest ways in which drivers can improve their fuel economy is by removing any unnecessary weight from the vehicle.

They advised: “The weight of your vehicle can negatively affect how much fuel you use, as your engine needs to work harder, so consider removing any unnecessary items from the boot, footwell and seats. This could include items such as sports equipment, tools or heavy items of clothing.

“Consider removing anything that creates unnecessary air resistance and causes drag on your vehicle. Cars are designed to be as aerodynamic as possible, but unused roof boxes and bike racks can both have a negative impact, particularly at high speeds.”

Whilst many motorists prefer cars that are capable of carrying large amounts at a time, driving around with a full boot can vastly increase the overall weight of the vehicle.

According to studies conducted for America’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), drivers are able to reduce their fuel consumption by 10 percent by removing 100lbs (45kg) from their vehicle.

This is also the case for items that are fitted to the bodywork of the car, such as bicycles and roof boxes, which can also affect the aerodynamics, meaning more power is required to push against the wind.

Zego’s spokesperson also suggested that taking the time to plan journeys can also help drivers get the best mileage out of every tank of fuel.

They added: “It may sound obvious, but where possible try to combine multiple trips into one journey, rather than doing several smaller ones.

“Not only should this save you time, but it can also help to conserve fuel since the engine is already warm, so you won’t have to do several cold starts.”

In particular, the company advised motorists to plan longer journeys using a GPS service, such as Google Maps, with many recommending a specific route for fuel efficiency.

Whilst this particular route may not always be the fastest way to a destination, they often feature fewer hills and, perhaps more crucially, less traffic.

Typically, drivers can find the most economical journey to their destination via GPS apps by selecting ‘Prefer fuel-efficient routes’ in the settings menu or by looking for a green leaf icon.