Calling all car enthusiasts, motor brands and families who just want a fun day out - the Fuel Economy Drive is happening this Sunday 25 September. The aim of the event is to determine the most fuel-efficient driver and car pairing to complete a pre-planned route which will begin and end at Maxol’s new M3 Mulhuddart Services outlet.
The cost of entry is €30.00, which will include a €20.00 fuel voucher and a Moreish lunch voucher. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Maxol’s official charity partner Aware.
Do you think you have what it takes to be crowned the King of fuel efficiency? Well come on down and take the challenge. But before you do, read the top 10 tips to fuel efficiency, courtesy of our co-organisers, Leo Nulty Promotions, motor industry specialists.
1. Drive smoothly
Driving like a boy racer by aggressively accelerating or breaking not only makes you look like a bit of a fool, but it wastes fuel too - up to 60% more in fact! When pulling away from the lights, try to treat your accelator pedal a bit more gently.
2. Read the road ahead
When driving, remember to look ahead and read the conditions of the road - look out for anything that might require you to slow down or stop such as traffic lights or someone attempting to park. By anticipating what is coming up, you'll not only be a safer driver, but you'll save fuel by starting to slow down early and not needing to come to a sudden halt.
3. Don't rev the engine!
Ok so it might sound cool, and you might feel like Vin Diesel, but revving the engine whilst stationary does nothing except waste fuel!
4. Use the gears sensibly
Some of us have a love-hate relationship with the gear stick, but using the gears correctly can make huge savings on your fuel bill of up to 15%! Make sure you change up into a higher gear as soon as its possible and safe to do so.
5. Stick to the limit
Easy cowboy! Doing 130km/h mph on the motorway will use between 10% and 20% more fuel than doing 120km/h, not to mention the fact that it's illegal! For a 20 mile motorway journey, driving at 130km/h will only save you about 2 minutes compared to driving at 120 km/h anyway! If you're not in a hurry to get anywhere, doing 120 km/h will use between 20% and 30% more fuel than doing 80 km/h - suddenly being stuck behind a lorry doesn't seem so bad
6. Check your tyres
Make sure you check your tyre pressures regularly (at least once every 2 weeks). An under-inflated tyre can increase fuel consumption by 3%, and it will wear out quicker too. Check your owner's manual for the correct pressures.
7. Don't "warm up" the engine
When starting on those cold mornings, don't leave your car running to warm it up. It causes unnecessary engine wear, as well as wasting fuel. Instead invest in some decent de-icer and try to drive off straight away - so long as you can see where you are going!
8. Avoid short trips
It is so easy to just hop in the car to pop down to the corner shop to pick up your Sunday papers, but a cold engine will generally use twice as much fuel as a warm engine. Walk instead - the exercise will do you good and after all, that's what these boots are made for!
9. Turn off the Air Conditioning
Air Conditioning is great in the hot summer months, but only use it when you really need to and just use the blowers the rest of the time. You should also try to avoid opening the windows when driving at speed as this can increase aerodynamic drag which will waste more fuel. Running the air con when you don't need it will waste a lot of fuel.
10. Keep your car in tip-top condition
Try to keep your car well maintained by making sure the recommended service schedule is followed either by taking it to a reputable garage, or servicing it yourself. A well-tuned engine with fresh, clean oil and new air filters will run more efficiently than an engine that has been neglected. Your car is your baby - treat it that way!
Find out if you've got the most fuel efficient driver and car pairing in your respective vehicle class. There's an overall winner on the day and runnerup trophies. So if you think you have what it takes, sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/maxol-fuel-economy-drive-2016-tickets-27419473383
We look forward to meeting you on the day, and may the most fuel efficient win!