How to improve your MPG

Miles Per Gallon (MPG) is the measurement of how much fuel your car uses, and is a great way to monitor your fuel economy. The higher the MPG, the more miles your car is covering per tank of fuel, meaning it’s more economical.

While the average MPG differs from car to car, there are ways in which you can improve your MPG. Get the most out of your tank of fuel with the following tips.

Avoid harsh braking

The indirect effect of late or harsh braking increases fuel consumption. Make sure to anticipate the traffic ahead, and try coming off the accelerator earlier to gradually reduce your speed rather than braking last minute. If you can avoid coming to a stop, you’ll use less fuel getting back up to speed.

Accelerate gently

Putting your foot to the floor to get your car up to speed quickly can seem tempting, but it’s a waste of fuel. The throttle controls the amount of air and fuel going into the engine, and the harder you press it, the more fuel you’ll burn.

Stick to your service schedule

Getting your car regularly serviced ensures your engine will be running in peak condition. Servicing your car will not only maintain your MPG, it will help with reliability and general performance.

Check your tyres

This one is twofold. Firstly, ensure you always have enough tread depth on your wheels. This should be a minimum of 1.6mm in the centre three quarters of your tyre. Not only is this a legal requirement, but it will improve your safety and fuel economy.

Secondly, regularly check your tyre pressure and make sure they’re inflated to the required PSI for your car. Under-inflated tyres have an increased rolling resistance, which will reduce your MPG.

Take advantage of cruise control

If your car has cruise control, don’t forget about it! If you regularly drive on a dual carriageway or motorway, cruise control will keep you at a constant speed, meaning less accelerating and braking and a higher MPG.

Don’t carry unnecessary weight

Having extra weight in the car means the engine has to work that little bit harder to get up to speed. If you have unnecessary baggage or clutter in the car, clear it out! You’ll notice a significant rise in your MPG compared to when you carry a lot around.