Motorists in the United Kingdom have the potential to save up to £1.65 in fuel costs for every hour of driving by effectively utilizing cruise control, according to experts at Radius, the nation’s leading fuel card provider. This feature, commonly available in modern vehicles, can significantly reduce fuel consumption in both petrol and diesel cars, particularly during long journeys on motorways.
Experts emphasize that the majority of fuel is consumed during acceleration and deceleration. By maintaining a consistent speed, drivers can enhance fuel efficiency. Despite this, cruise control is often overlooked, with many drivers unsure about how to use it correctly. Kerry Fawcett, a specialist at Radius, explained the functionality of cruise control, stating, “Cruise control is designed to keep your car moving at a steady speed without you having to keep your foot on the accelerator.”
Fawcett continued, “Once you reach your desired speed on a flat stretch of road, you simply press the cruise control button to ‘set’ it. The system then maintains that speed automatically. You can easily override it anytime by pressing the brake or accelerator.”
Significant Potential Savings
Using cruise control on flat, steady motorway journeys can improve fuel efficiency by approximately 14%. This translates to savings of around £1.35 to £1.65 per hour of driving. With over 200,000 vehicles navigating the UK’s busiest motorways daily, the cumulative savings could reach an impressive £270,000 to £330,000 each day. If all motorists adopted this practice effectively, the total potential fuel savings could amount to as much as £120 million annually.
According to Radius, these fuel savings were calculated based on typical driving conditions on UK motorways at a speed of 70 mph. The calculations assumed an average fuel economy of 40 mpg for petrol vehicles and 50 mpg for diesel vehicles. Under these conditions, cars would consume approximately 7.96 litres of petrol and 6.36 litres of diesel per hour. Data on consistent-speed driving suggests that cruise control enhances fuel efficiency by about 14%, resulting in savings of approximately 1.11 litres of petrol and 0.89 litres of diesel each hour.
Embracing Fuel Efficiency
The advice from Radius highlights an important opportunity for drivers to reduce their fuel expenses while also contributing to environmental sustainability. By embracing cruise control, motorists can not only enjoy the convenience of a smooth driving experience but also play a part in decreasing overall fuel consumption.
As fuel prices continue to fluctuate, understanding and utilizing available vehicle technologies becomes increasingly important for drivers seeking to manage their costs efficiently.
