Car expert shares little-known gear trick that may help drivers slash fuel costs
26.01.2023 - 01:53
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Motorists everywhere are looking to save on rising fuel costs and one expert has shared a little known gear tip that can help save money on petrol and diesel. According Mark Akbar, Managing Director at CarStore, driving at the highest gear possible, within legal speed limits, making cars more fuel efficient.
Knowing when to change gears is crucial to help you pass your driving test, reports the Express. However, Mr Akbar highlights that knowing how to use "your gears efficiently" isn't part of the curriculum.
By skipping this step, he says drivers are wasting precious fuel on the road. The expert is asking drivers to monitor how they use their gears, as this could save money.
“It's not part of the driving test to learn how to use your gears efficiently, you simply have to be able to use them to get the car to move at various speeds," he said. “However, to make the most out of every drop of fuel and maintain maximum efficiency, it's vital that you're always using the right gear at the right time."
Motorists are also being advised to take it easy on the accelerator, as this will reduce excessive speeding, which can guzzle gas. One of the best ways to lower fuel usage is by driving in the highest possible gear for the vehicle while keeping within the speed limit.
Mark added: “Be careful not to over-rev the engine, as this will use more fuel, and make sure you don't labour the engine by being in a gear that's too low for the speed and terrain.
“Generally, petrol cars are at their most economical between 1500 and 2500 rpm, so you should aim to change up to the next gear whenever you exceed the higher end of that band. For diesels, it's between 1300 and 2000 rpm.”
In urban areas, drivers are advised to change up through the gears