Fuel prices are a concern for every driver. With them fluctuating so often, a fill of the tank can cost considerably different amounts from week to week. This will frequently see drivers looking at ways to conserve the fuel they have and save on added trips to the petrol station. We often look at the MPG we can get from a Land Rover and suddenly assume it’s going to guzzle fuel fast and set us back a fortune. However, a few tweaks to the way we drive can help save fuel and get a little more from the tank than first thought. In this edition of our blog, we look at the driving techniques you should adopt in your Land Rover to help you save fuel.
Accelerate smoothly
We know our Land Rovers can pack a punch and a sudden acceleration of your Discovery or Range Rover Evoque can certainly make an engine chime, but it’s a terrible waste of fuel. Instead, gradually put your foot on the accelerator, a slow and calm press of the pedal uses much less fuel than an aggressive pedal to the metal style getaway. Then as you move, look to move up a gear as early as possible, listen out to make sure you catch the right moment to shift though! It can also be beneficial to allow your Land Rover to take five seconds to reach 10mph from stationary to help deliver even better efficiency.
Keep your momentum
If you are regularly braking and then accelerating again, you will be putting much more effort into driving your Land Rover, and your vehicle will know about it! It will consume much more fuel having to start and stop than it will if you can drive at a steady speed consistently. Planning your journey can help with this, especially if using your Land Rover for a commute. Leaving just a few minutes early could reduce the need for stop-starting and give you a smoother ride.
Reduce resistance
We have all seen Olympic Athletes and Tour De France riders trying to make themselves as streamlined as possible to get enhanced performance and reduce wind resistance. The same applies to driving. A Land Rover is often used due to its incredible storage and carrying capabilities, yet these benefits can also be detrimental. Removing roof racks and roof boxes when not in use can aid fuel retention considerably. With additional weight and less aerodynamics, your Land Rover consumes much more fuel trying to carry the added load yet keeps the speeds you are aiming for. Think of it like giving someone a piggyback. You can’t run as fast with the added weight, and you’ve used up much more energy attempting to do so!
Combine several shorter journeys into a longer one
Keeping your engine warm allows it to work much better and therefore reduces the amount of fuel it needs. Several short trips will consume much more fuel than one long journey that allows you to complete all your tasks or errands.
Empty the boot
Similar to the roof rack or box, storage in a Land Rover is often taken advantage of. This can lead to boots being laden with things that could perhaps go elsewhere. A heavier vehicle uses more energy to move, meaning more fuel is consumed more quickly. Think of the piggyback analogy again!
Reduce the use of air conditioning
It’s always nice to drive with a cooling breeze, especially when the weather is warm but switching on the air con can be a costly endeavour. The Land Rover will need to use engine power to have the AC unit function. As a result, your Landy is working harder and using more fuel to ensure your ambient temperature remains as you want it.
Does coasting save fuel?
Coasting can be a handy way to reduce how much fuel your Land Rover gets through. Coasting and allowing your vehicle to naturally slow down or stop requires less fuel as you won’t be tapping on the accelerator and only need the brakes a small amount, if at all. This not only helps save on fuel but reduces the wear on your brakes too. Consider coasting when going downhill too, especially if it is steep.
Does cruise control save fuel?
Cruise control is a fantastic asset and with the Land Rover adaptive cruise control system, it’s become so much easier to preserve fuel thanks to how it functions. That being said, this innovative and smart system works best on flatter stretches of road. If you are driving in conditions where the surfaces are not flat, you could see your MPG change significantly. This is because the cruise control system will be slower to react to the changes than you are. Where you can see the changes in the surface coming ahead, you can take your foot off the pedal when needed. Cruise control will adapt as it senses the changes, and this can often be after you have noticed them.
Where cruise control can deliver excellent fuel economy is on motorways. You’ll be driving at a higher speed but without the need for constant acceleration.
Aside from using these techniques whilst driving, you should also employ a regimen of preventative maintenance. A Land Rover service, for example, carried out by a Land Rover specialist like RCV, will ensure your vehicle is in premium condition giving you a smoother and more efficient driving experience. With an expert team on site, we offer competitive Land Rover service costs that can see you save up to 40% on main dealer prices. Based in Kent, but known as London Land Rover specialists, RCV is the choice for a host of Land Rover owners across the UK. Contact us today to see how we can help get your Land Rover to its best.