Hypermilers know this already, but What Car?, the British automotive media outlet, released the results of a study today that shows just how much money can be saved by some sensible - in this case slower - driving. The savings can be pretty dramatic: up to £1.20 ($2.34USD) every eight minutes. How? By driving the car at its most economical. What Car? asked fuel economy expert Peter de Nayer to test five cars - a Toyota Aygo, Nissan Qashqai, Volkswagen Passat, Citroen C4 Picasso and Land Rover Freelander - to find out at what speed they are the most efficient. De Nayer's test found that, on average, going 100mph uses five times as much fuel as going 50mph. Not sure why that matters, as not many people are cruising around at 100mph, but the advice to slow down is a good one. What Car? recommends a 70mph top speed on the highway, driving in the highest gear possible and not racing a way from stoplights or slamming on the brakes. What Car? also found that 62 percent of motorists in the UK don't know what the right speed is to save the most fuel while you're on the go. Their "Slow down, save fuel" project goes live today, and you can read more after the break.
Press Release:
What Car? says: slow down, save cash
• Stick to 70mph on the motorway and save £1.20 every eight minutes
• Change up from fourth to sixth and cut bills by 25%
• The slower you go, the more you could save
Motorists are wasting thousands of pounds on fuel because they think going fast is economical.
A What Car? survey shows 62% of motorists reckon they're driving most efficiently between 50mph and 60mph.
Not true. Tests by What Car? show the economical reality is that the slower you go, in as high a gear as possible, the more you'll save.
Steve Fowler, What Car? Group editor, said: 'Many motorists happily scout around for the cheapest fuel prices to save 2p per litre – an average of £1.20 per tankful.
'Yet if motorists driving at 90mph on a motorway slowed to the national speed limit of 70mph, they'd save that much in around eight minutes.
'Lowering your speed, and using a high gear, puts less strain on your engine, makes the journey more relaxing and reduces your carbon dioxide emissions. It's a win-win and it's never been more important'.
What Car?'s research was conducted by fuel economy expert Peter de Nayer and included comprehensive testing of five cars - a Toyota Aygo, Nissan Qashqai, Volkswagen Passat, Citroen C4 Picasso and Land Rover Freelander.
The research also shows that a car driven at 100mph uses roughly five times as much fuel as one travelling at 50mph.
Using the wrong gear will also cost motorists plenty. A car cruising at 40mph on rural roads uses 20% more fuel in fourth gear compared with sixth. In town motorists can cut fuel bills by pulling away slowly and smoothly, changing up early and anticipating road conditions to maintain a steady speed.
For more fuel saving tips, log on to Whatcar.com – How to Drive Green.
[Source: What Car?]
Press Release:
What Car? says: slow down, save cash
• Stick to 70mph on the motorway and save £1.20 every eight minutes
• Change up from fourth to sixth and cut bills by 25%
• The slower you go, the more you could save
Motorists are wasting thousands of pounds on fuel because they think going fast is economical.
A What Car? survey shows 62% of motorists reckon they're driving most efficiently between 50mph and 60mph.
Not true. Tests by What Car? show the economical reality is that the slower you go, in as high a gear as possible, the more you'll save.
Steve Fowler, What Car? Group editor, said: 'Many motorists happily scout around for the cheapest fuel prices to save 2p per litre – an average of £1.20 per tankful.
'Yet if motorists driving at 90mph on a motorway slowed to the national speed limit of 70mph, they'd save that much in around eight minutes.
'Lowering your speed, and using a high gear, puts less strain on your engine, makes the journey more relaxing and reduces your carbon dioxide emissions. It's a win-win and it's never been more important'.
What Car?'s research was conducted by fuel economy expert Peter de Nayer and included comprehensive testing of five cars - a Toyota Aygo, Nissan Qashqai, Volkswagen Passat, Citroen C4 Picasso and Land Rover Freelander.
The research also shows that a car driven at 100mph uses roughly five times as much fuel as one travelling at 50mph.
Using the wrong gear will also cost motorists plenty. A car cruising at 40mph on rural roads uses 20% more fuel in fourth gear compared with sixth. In town motorists can cut fuel bills by pulling away slowly and smoothly, changing up early and anticipating road conditions to maintain a steady speed.
For more fuel saving tips, log on to Whatcar.com – How to Drive Green.
[Source: What Car?]
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