PETROL and diesel prices have surged to record highs as the UK and Europe feel the heat of the ongoing energy crisis.
And despite the government cutting fuel duty for the first time in more than a decade, drivers continue to face a squeeze at the pumps.
The average price of fuel has reached more than 160p per litre – and sadly there is little motorists can do to curb the rising costs.
However, there are several simple steps you can take to make each litre of fuel – and each penny you spend – go further, and these all come down to your tyres.
1. Maintenance checks
According to Continental Tyres, performing simple maintenance checks can significantly improve fuel economy, and save you having to fill up more often than is absolutely necessary.
The first is to check tyre inflation by looking for the car’s recommended pressure levels in the owner’s manual, inside the fuel cap, or on the door pillar.
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Properly inflated tyres can reduce fuel consumption by up to three per cent, experts say.
Your vehicle’s tyres generally lose about one pound per square inch (PSI) per month, so it is recommended you check their pressure at least monthly, and preferably fortnightly, and always when cold.
It is also important to check for signs of even wear on the tyres, especially along the edges of the front pair.
Uneven wear could indicate a tracking or suspension problem that could increase fuel consumption and cause your tyres to wear more quickly.
And don’t forget that once your tread wears down to 1.6mm, you are legally required to change the tyre immediately or face a £10,000 fine.
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2. Monitor driving habits
Another way to improve your fuel economy is to monitor your driving habits.
Speeding and harsh braking wastes a considerable amount of fuel and can impact your fuel economy by more than a third.
Monitoring your car’s revolutions per minute (RPM) is a good way to see how hard the engine is working.
Anything equal to 3,000 or below is your sweet spot and can increase fuel efficiency.
To ensure maximum saving, let the vehicle speed up continually at a lower RPM and finally, consider what (or who!) you’ve got in the back, in the boot or on the roof.
Excessive on-board weight will cause the engine to work harder, and more work calls for more fuel.
Remove any unnecessary items you don’t need to carry around with you and check the owner’s manual to find out how much weight your vehicle can tolerate.
The load on-board will also likely determine what the optimum tyre pressure should be – so be open to making adjustments if you’re heading off on a staycation with a packed car this Easter.
3. Correct tyres
Finally, it is vital to make sure you’ve got the right tyres fitted to your car.
This will be in your vehicle’s manual, but always pay attention to the EU Tyre Label.
An ‘A’ rating for rolling resistance – the energy a vehicle needs to maintain a constant speed – tells you that the tyre rolls very efficiently, meaning it takes less power, and therefore less fuel, to move the vehicle.
The main factor that contributes to rolling resistance is an action known as hysteresis – this is fundamentally the energy loss that occurs as a tyre rolls through the footprint.
Steve Howat, general manager for technical services at Continental Tyre Group, said: “As fuel prices continue to rise, it’s never been more important for drivers to make each tank of fuel go as far as possible.
“It’s surprising how many drivers underestimate the influence of their tyres on their fuel economy.
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“Performing regular checks and ensuring the tyres on your car are operating as efficiently as possible will make a considerable difference.
“When the time comes to replacing your tyres, fuel economy is a key consideration.
“Any good tyre fitter will be able to advise on a suitable replacement for your vehicle – with similar characteristics to the tyre the manufacturer fitted it with when it was brand new.”