How to Maximise Fuel Efficiency in Your Used Car | Sandicliffe
Tips and tricks for improving fuel efficiency in used cars, helping drivers save money.
Improving fuel efficiency is one of the easiest ways to cut running costs, whether you drive a conventional petrol or diesel used car or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). While new cars are often marketed as the most fuel-efficient option, the right habits and maintenance can improve fuel efficiency in a used car just as effectively. Below, we've updated our fuel efficiency tips to cover both conventional engines and PHEVs.
Keep Up With Regular Servicing to Improve Fuel Efficiency
Regular servicing is one of the most reliable ways to improve fuel efficiency in a used car. Keeping up with oil changes, air filter replacements and tyre pressure checks keeps the engine running smoothly, and correctly inflated tyres in particular reduce rolling resistance and help fuel efficiency. A well-maintained engine is consistently the biggest factor in getting the best fuel economy from any used car.
Adopt Fuel-Efficient Driving Habits
Driving style has a direct impact on fuel efficiency. Avoiding aggressive acceleration and harsh braking, anticipating traffic to keep speed consistent, and using cruise control on motorways where appropriate all help conventional cars and PHEVs alike get closer to their claimed fuel efficiency figures.
Cut Unnecessary Weight to Improve Fuel Efficiency
Carrying unnecessary weight, or fitting roof racks and bike racks you're not using, adds drag and reduces fuel efficiency. Removing them when they're not needed is a simple, no-cost way to improve fuel efficiency on every journey.
Use Air Conditioning and Electrics Sparingly
Air conditioning puts extra strain on the engine and reduces fuel efficiency, so use it selectively, opening the windows instead on shorter or cooler journeys. This applies to conventional cars and PHEVs running on their combustion engine, though it's worth noting that using the cabin heater or air conditioning on electric-only mode in a PHEV will draw down the battery faster.
Upgrade to a More Fuel-Efficient Used Car
If you've made these changes and still want better fuel efficiency, upgrading to a more fuel-efficient used car is the next step. A more fuel-efficient vehicle costs less to run day to day, and depending on the model, may also come with lower tax bands and reduced maintenance costs. Discover a wide range of used fuel-efficient cars in stock today.
Plug-in hybrids combine a conventional engine with a battery that can be charged separately, and getting the most from that battery is the key to fuel efficiency in a PHEV. Charging fully before a journey, using electric-only mode for short or urban trips, and saving the combustion engine for motorway driving all help maximise fuel efficiency and minimise how often you need to fill up.
Key Takeaways on Fuel Efficiency
Improving fuel efficiency doesn't require a new car. Regular servicing, smoother driving, less unnecessary weight and sensible use of air conditioning all help conventional used cars, and charging habits make the biggest difference for PHEVs. Together, these small changes make a real difference to fuel efficiency, running costs and emissions.
