Test of efficiency
Last updated 09:18, Saturday, 31 May 2008
THE weather is in danger of losing its position as Britain’s favourite talking point.
These days the topic on everyone’s lips is rising prices. And while food and utility bills are popular subjects, the soaring cost of petrol and diesel is public enemy number one.
In May diesel prices have seen their biggest monthly increase for a decade, rising nearly six per cent to about £1.25 a litre. The average price of petrol at the pumps rose nearly 5p a litre, to £1.13.
The price of fuel, including petrol and diesel, has soared by about 20 per cent over the past year. According to the AA, a two-car family is paying nearly £40 a month more to fill up its vehicles than a year ago.
No wonder people are talking about it. The saloon that cost £35 to fill up not so long ago now siphons away £50. Every car owner has their own version of the story.
There may not be a magic wand in sight, but Lloyd BMW Carlisle is giving drivers the chance to ease the pain by using less fuel in their cars, thereby saving money and lowering CO2 emissions.
Today and tomorrow the company is offering a free efficiency check on any car made after 2000 to assess its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. If necessary Lloyd will show the owner how they can improve their car’s fuel efficiency. This programme is part of a national BMW initiative.
Mechanics at the Kingstown-based dealership will conduct a six-point check of the vehicle. This looks at additional weight carried in a car, whether a roof rack is fitted, whether oil levels are up to recommended levels, how often air conditioning is used, if the cooling system is keeping the engine running at its optimal temperature, and whether tyres are inflated to their correct pressure.
All these factors can increase fuel consumption. A car with a roof rack, a set of golf clubs permanently in the boot, insufficient oil, air conditioning on for long periods, with a cooling system running too high or too low and with under-inflated tyres can cost upwards of £100 a year more on fuel than it needs to.
“We are seeing more people who come in and ask about the fuel efficiency of our cars,” says customer relations manager Sharon Bradshaw. “People are still concerned with performance but the rises in fuel prices have definitely made a difference to how people think about their next car.”
As well as seeing how their current car could be made more fuel efficient, drivers will also be offered a comparison with a new BMW in the same class and a test drive.
The BMW 118d was recently voted World Green Car 2008 and the company is confident that its models will prove more fuel efficient than its competitors, saving on fuel and road tax.
To book a place on the BMW EfficientDynamics Open Weekend call 01228 542222 or visit www.lloydcarlislebmw.co.uk
Check your revs – change up before 2,500rpm (petrol) and 2,000rpm (diesel).
Anticipate road conditions and drive smoothly, avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy braking. As well as saving fuel this also reduces the risk of accidents.
Use air conditioning sparingly as it significantly increases fuel consumption.
The most fuel-efficient speed depends on the car but it is usually around 45-50mph. Faster speeds will greatly increase fuel consumption.
Drive away immediately when starting from cold. Idling to heat the engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear.
Accessories such as roof racks, bike carriers and roof boxes significantly affect your car’s aerodynamics and reduce fuel efficiency. Remove them when not in use.
Avoid short journeys. A cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective.
Plan your journey to avoid congestion, roadworks and getting lost.
Check tyre pressures regularly. Under-inflated tyres are dangerous and can increase fuel consumption by up to three per cent.
If you’re stuck in a jam switch off the engine if you expect to be there for more than a minute or two. This will save fuel and reduce emissions.
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