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Drivers told to group errands to cut fuel costs

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 07:19 · Archive

Combining multiple short journeys into one trip reduces fuel consumption by avoiding repeated cold engine starts.

Drivers can reduce fuel consumption by combining everyday errands into one linked journey rather than making repeated separate trips, according to car dealership Dace Motor Group and motoring organisation the RAC. Repeated cold starts force an engine to warm up from scratch, burning extra petrol or diesel. When drivers return home between chores, the engine cools completely before the next journey, forcing it to operate inefficiently again.

Dace Motor Group said: 'A car is less efficient when the engine is cold. So, if you do a quick dash to the shop, come home, then head back out for the chemist, then later pop to pick someone up, you are making the car do its least efficient bit again and again.' Instead, grouping trips together—picking up a parcel, buying bread, visiting the supermarket, then heading home in one run—maintains engine efficiency. The group noted that 'even doing it a couple of times a week will help.'

The RAC's guidance supports this approach: 'Once the engine is warm it will operate at its most efficient whereas several cold starts will increase fuel consumption even though the total mileage could be the same.' Drivers are also advised to schedule trips outside peak hours to avoid idling in heavy traffic, which burns fuel unnecessarily.

Drivers told to group errands to cut fuel costs
Image: Somerset County Gazette

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In this story: Dace Motor Group · RAC

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