Tips to Reduce Fuel Cost as a Private Hire Driver
Fuel is a regular expense for private hire drivers in London. The way you drive and how well you care for your car can make a real difference in how much fuel you use. You can cut your fuel costs by making a few small changes in your driving habits and vehicle care.
In this blog, we will offer practical tips on fuel-saving driving habits and how to maintain your car so it will give you the maximum fuel economy.
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Article Highlights
Here’s what you should do to keep your fuel costs low:
- Drive smoothly
- Use cruise control on motorways
- Avoid idling for long periods, and more.
Drive Smoothly
Rapid acceleration and sudden braking can burn more fuel. Driving smoothly can help keep your fuel consumption low. When starting, apply gentle pressure to the accelerator and let the engine build speed gradually. Also, maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead and look ahead at road traffic. By knowing where the traffic signals, speed bumps, or pedestrians are, you can adjust your speed early instead of slamming on the brakes at the last moment.
Avoid Idling for Long Periods
Many PCO drivers leave the engine running while waiting for passengers. This could significantly increase fuel consumption because the engine is burning fuel even when the car is not moving
If you are likely to wait for more than a few minutes, turn off the engine and restart it when needed. Some vehicles also have a start-stop feature, which automatically shuts off the engine when stopped for a brief period. If your car has this feature, enable it to save fuel.
Saving fuel means saving money. This is why our hire cars come packed with the latest features to help keep your fuel costs low. Whether you want a saloon or SUV, we have well-maintained, fuel-efficient vehicles that meet all the TfL standards to make your shifts more cost-effective. Let’s connect.
Keep Your Tyres Properly Inflated
Under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance, causing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. To prevent this, check your tyre pressure at least once a week. Always make sure it’s according to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure level. If the pressure is low, inflate the tyre properly.
Limit the Use of Air Conditioning and Heating
Climate control is essential for driver and passenger comfort. However, its excessive use could increase your car’s fuel consumption. For instance, air conditioning relies on your engine to power the compressor and could reduce your car’s fuel efficiency by 10-20%.
Similarly, the heating system draws power from the engine to warm the cabin, increasing the fuel consumption.
You can significantly improve your fuel savings by using the heating or air conditioning system in intervals. You can also keep the windows open during pleasant weather to reduce load on the engine.
For heating, use seat warmers if available instead of full cabin heating, as they consume less energy.
Consider Switching to an EV
Charging an electric vehicle is more economical than refilling a petrol or diesel tank. For instance, charging an EV at home or at public charging stations during off-peak hours could cost as little as £0.05 to £0.10 per mile, compared to £0.2 or more per mile for petrol or diesel vehicles.
In addition, electric vehicles are exempt from ULEZ (£12.50 daily) and Congestion (£15 daily) charges, helping you save significant money every month.
So, get an EV with 200+ mile range, fast charging support, and ample space for passengers and luggage to make your shifts more profitable.
Read Also: Use Free EV Charging Stations in London to Cut Your Costs
Start Earning Today.
Conclusion
As a private hire driver, every litre of fuel you save contributes to your profits. Just make the few adjustments we mentioned above and watch your fuel economy improve dramatically. Remember that you can’t control the rising fuel costs, but you can control your daily driving habits. So, drive smart and save more.
You can book your parking online at www.purpleparking.com. The parking charges at Purple Parking Heathrow can vary depending on how early you book and your parking duration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I minimise fuel consumption as a private hire driver?
Some effective ways to minimise your fuel consumption are to drive smoothly, use cruise control on motorways, avoid idling for long periods, and keep your tyres properly inflated.
Can I save fuel by skipping gears?
Yes, skipping gears allows the engine to reach a higher gear sooner without hard acceleration that can consume more fuel.
How do I save fuel when stuck in traffic?
Use the start-stop feature in your car. It automatically shuts off the engine when the car has been idle for a short period.
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