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Drive smoother and use less fuel

SpeedometerA couple once succeeded in driving across the world and only using 1,300 litres of fuel, proving that true fuel economy is not a myth.

A journey that has taken them across 25 countries in four continents has seen John and Helen Taylor break the record for the most fuel-efficient circumnavigation of the world in a standard car.

They completed their 18,500 mile (30,000 km) drive using 24 tanks - 1,303 litres - of fuel, less than half of the what that they had expected to get through.

The Taylors may have had the advantage of using a new formula that Shell was testing for fuel economy, but there are still tips that can be taken from their incredible achievement.


How driving smoother can get you further

  • Drive smoothly and avoid accelerating or braking hard
  • Use higher gears - the higher the gear, the lower the engine speed
  • Leave behind excess weight; fuel efficiency can drop by between 1 and 2 per cent for every extra 45kg carried
  • Removing the roof rack can increase fuel economy by as much as 5 per cent
  • Avoid over-revving and change gears carefully when accelerating
  • Check air filters that keep impurities from damaging the engine
  • Be sparing in use of the air conditioner
  • Avoid higher speeds, which meet with more resistance
  • Keep tyres at the correct pressure

Source: The Times

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