In all the recent coverage of diesel emissions and the arrival of cleaner electric engines, you might have missed new research from the RAC showing that petrol prices soared in May, rising faster in that single month than they have in the past 18 years. But don’t panic, they’re still not as high as the peak of 141.9 pence per litre in April 2012.
As many of you head off on long summer trips, it’s a good time to remember the easy things we can do to reduce our consumption. Here are four steps to improve your MPG.
Maintain a steady speed Sudden variations in speed have a disruptive impact on your car’s momentum. Read the road ahead and avoid harsh acceleration and sharp braking.
Drive in as high a gear as possible Driving at as low a speed as possible while in the highest gear you can means your engine won’t work so hard.
Trim the fat Lose as much weight as possible from your car. Dump unnecessary clobber from the boot.
Be a smooth operator Make the car as aerodynamic as possible. Get rid of the roof rack if you are not using it (it can affect consumption by 10%). Shut the windows. And drive safely. Bon voyage!
Email Martin at martin.love@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @MartinLove166
