How to Lower your Minibus’ Fuel Consumption
12 November 2018
Fuel has always been the bane of drivers across the nation. Every time you pull up to a garage, it’s inevitable that your bank balance is going to take a rather big hit. Managing a minibus as part of your fleet can be a daunting task, let alone keeping overhead costs low across your institution. We’ve compiled a list of handy tips to lower your consumption of fuel as a benefit financially and to aid overall performance of the vehicle.
Inflation prices increase year on year and the average price of fuel follows suit. As of November 7 2018, the average unleaded price was 130.0p per litre, diesel at 136.8p, super unleaded at 140.6p and premium diesel at 150.0p across the UK. First and foremost, to suppress the amount of fuel used for each journey, it is crucial to regularly check tyre pressure. The National Energy Foundation estimates that 50% of vehicle tyres on the road today are under-inflated. Softer tyres can add an additional 2% to your total fuel bill, so it is a useful habit to check your tyres regularly.
Another tip that some people may not be aware of is the effect of air-con on your overall fuel consumption. Using air conditioning on a regular basis can cause your minibus to use up an additional 25% of fuel. When driving at speeds more than 55mph, it’s suggested that you roll the windows up, and use your air con through the vents at a less intense setting. Keeping windows open at high speeds will increase the drag on the vehicle, and inevitably use more fuel than running your air-con.
It is ideal to allow more time than necessary to reach your destination in your minibus. Aggressive accelerating, weaving in and out of traffic and harsh braking can significantly wear out the components of the minibus, such as tyres and brakes. To raise the fuel economy of the vehicle, it is best to avoid these driving habits. It’s better to arrive with you and your vehicle safely in one piece than arrive a couple of minutes early!
To find out more on how we can assist with your minibus leasing requirements, please visit the ‘Your Minibus’ section on our website here.
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