Clever navigation settings help you save fuel – here’s how

DRIVERS have been instructed to use a clever navigation setting that will help save fuel at high prices.

The setting allows motorists to choose the most economical route, thereby saving money on petrol and diesel.

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The latest RAC Fuel Watch shows drivers are paying around 164p per liter of unleaded and 170p per liter of diesel.

According to the forecast, the price of petrol should remain the same, while the price of diesel should continue to fall.

With much uncertainty surrounding the prices, Graham Conway, Managing Director of Select car leasingurged motorists to choose their navigation route carefully.

He said: “In order to avoid excessive fuel consumption, most modern navigation devices have the option to select the quickest route, even taking traffic into account.

“Avoiding stalling in traffic can help save fuel because your car will be most efficient in a higher gear – as opposed to crawling.

“Some navigation devices even allow you to choose the most economical route to avoid fuel-guzzling obstacles like big hills and heavy stop-and-go traffic.

“For example, there is ‘environmentally friendly route guidance’ on Google Maps, which directs drivers to the most economical route.”

The car expert also said there are a number of other ways to save money on fuel.

He urged drivers to be mindful when refilling and only fill up with what the car needs.

Graham added: “A top tip for keeping up with your top-ups is to keep a usage notebook in your glove box or keep records in the Notes app on your phone.

“Every time you visit a gas station, make a note of how much gas you put in your car to fill up at AB.

“In this ever-changing economy, be sure to record your fuel consumption in liters, not pounds.”

The car expert also says inflating tires to the right pressure will help you save more fuel.

He said: “If you have the wrong tire pressure, you use more fuel to keep your car running smoothly. This is due to the extra friction while driving that comes from an under-inflated tire.

“To find out the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle, first consult your vehicle handbook.

“Sometimes the pressure was printed either in the driver’s door sill or on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

“Your vehicle manufacturer may also suggest different tire pressures for your front and rear tires, so it’s always worth doing your research.”

Finally, Graham says filling up at supermarkets could be the way to go, despite high prices.

He said supermarket fuel comes from safe refineries like big brands like Shell or Esso.

But they usually add a number of their own special additives to improve fuel efficiency and performance.