5 fuel saving tips
If you’re thinking of buying a new van or you just want to know how to streamline your current one, read on for our top fuel saving tips below.
Many of you own a van in order to do your jobs. For this reason, we’ve partnered with companies such as Mercedes, Fiat, Esso, Wex and Temp Cover to help save them money when it comes to buying vehicles, insurance and fuel.
Despite these obvious benefits, we’re here to let you know the various other ways you can save on your fuel emissions – those that help both your pocket and the planet!
Top fuel saving tips to help you save money
1. Consider whether electric power is right for you
Is electric power the future?
We’re slowly using up the world’s finite resources, which means we need to consider alternatives to help reduce our carbon footprint. However, if you’re wondering whether to go green with your van, you should consider how often and how far you travel when using your van or vans.
For example, if you travel more than 70 miles or so in a day, then buying an electric vehicle probably won’t work for you due to the number of times you’ll need to stop and recharge. That said, electric power is an emissions-free fuel source, which makes it highly cost-effective for the right fleets.
The only other problem with electric vans is that off-the-shelf vehicles tend to be quite small, such as the Renault Kangoo ZE and Nissan eNV200. The only 3.5-tonner available to buy as an entity is the Iveco Daily, which costs around £65,000. With price points like this, the overhead rules them out for many tradespeople who’d otherwise like to go green.
2. Maintain regular tyre pressure
Van tyre maintenance is a simple way to maximise fuel consumption. As the rolling resistance of tyres varies with their specifications, make sure you pump them to the stated pressure definitions. And when it comes to buying replacement tyres, make sure they conform to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Keeping your tyres at the right pressure stops underinflated tyres from increasing your rolling resistance and fuel consumption. To keep tyres in good condition, rotate your tyres after the specified number of miles. Also, get the wheel balance and alignment checked during periodic services.
3. Buy a fuel-efficient vehicle
We’ve partnered with Fiat and Mercedes Benz, who offer discounts on their fleet.
It’s no secret that some cars are super fuel-efficient and some are total fuel guzzlers. That’s why, when you next buy a car, consider purchasing one that has a better fuel-efficient rating (A-C).
Although the initial upfront cost might be higher, hybrid vehicles consume less fuel overall, which saves you more money over a longer period of time – especially in heavy traffic conditions like cities. So, if you drive a lot and use your vehicle more than three times a week, over the course of your van’s lifetime, what you’ll save in fuel more than makes up for the initial investment.
Top tip: Don’t buy a large van or SUV if a smaller one suits your needs. Work out the ideal amount of space you’ll require, and then buy one fit for purpose. Of course, smaller vans don’t only cost less, but they’re cheaper to maintain and run.
4. Think about using CNG or LPG fuel alternatives
CNG (compressed natural gas) and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) are two cleaner fuel alternatives. CNG is made up of methane, which is emitted and harvested naturally in rubbish tips, while LPG is comprised of propane and butane. Where CNG releases less greenhouse gas overall, LPG releases carbon dioxide at much lower levels than gasoline.
Although compressed natural gas isn’t available at UK pumps, several companies will happily install one for you if required. Furthermore, both the Iveco Daily and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter come in CNG variants, which means you can buy off-the-shelf warranted products without having to worry about getting them converted yourself.
Top tip: Firms like Autogas convert petrol vans to LPG’s for around £1,500. Running costs then reduce to around 10p per mile instead of 17p per mile when running diesel engines. With CO2 down 17% and NOx reduced by 20% and over (plus no particulate emissions), LPG is a great alternative. When you hit 80,000 miles, a van that’s run on LPG saves £2,800 in fuel over diesel.
5. Install a speed limiter and black box in your van
To instantly reduce issues with diesel fuel engines, install a telematic to stop you or your drivers from wasting fuel. Not only do they limit driver abuse by monitoring location, speed, idling time, harsh acceleration or braking, fuel consumption, vehicle faults and more, but they also reduce your insurance premium and contribute to your green-credentials. It’s a win-win!
If you’re thinking of buying a new van or you just want to know how to streamline your current one, read on for our top fuel saving tips below.
Many of you own a van in order to do your jobs. For this reason, we’ve partnered with companies such as Mercedes, Fiat, Esso, Wex and Temp Cover to help save them money when it comes to buying vehicles, insurance and fuel.
Despite these obvious benefits, we’re here to let you know the various other ways you can save on your fuel emissions – those that help both your pocket and the planet!
Top fuel saving tips to help you save money
1. Consider whether electric power is right for you
Is electric power the future?
We’re slowly using up the world’s finite resources, which means we need to consider alternatives to help reduce our carbon footprint. However, if you’re wondering whether to go green with your van, you should consider how often and how far you travel when using your van or vans.
For example, if you travel more than 70 miles or so in a day, then buying an electric vehicle probably won’t work for you due to the number of times you’ll need to stop and recharge. That said, electric power is an emissions-free fuel source, which makes it highly cost-effective for the right fleets.
The only other problem with electric vans is that off-the-shelf vehicles tend to be quite small, such as the Renault Kangoo ZE and Nissan eNV200. The only 3.5-tonner available to buy as an entity is the Iveco Daily, which costs around £65,000. With price points like this, the overhead rules them out for many tradespeople who’d otherwise like to go green.
2. Maintain regular tyre pressure
Van tyre maintenance is a simple way to maximise fuel consumption. As the rolling resistance of tyres varies with their specifications, make sure you pump them to the stated pressure definitions. And when it comes to buying replacement tyres, make sure they conform to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Keeping your tyres at the right pressure stops underinflated tyres from increasing your rolling resistance and fuel consumption. To keep tyres in good condition, rotate your tyres after the specified number of miles. Also, get the wheel balance and alignment checked during periodic services.
3. Buy a fuel-efficient vehicle
We’ve partnered with Fiat and Mercedes Benz, who offer discounts on their fleet.
It’s no secret that some cars are super fuel-efficient and some are total fuel guzzlers. That’s why, when you next buy a car, consider purchasing one that has a better fuel-efficient rating (A-C).
Although the initial upfront cost might be higher, hybrid vehicles consume less fuel overall, which saves you more money over a longer period of time – especially in heavy traffic conditions like cities. So, if you drive a lot and use your vehicle more than three times a week, over the course of your van’s lifetime, what you’ll save in fuel more than makes up for the initial investment.
Top tip: Don’t buy a large van or SUV if a smaller one suits your needs. Work out the ideal amount of space you’ll require, and then buy one fit for purpose. Of course, smaller vans don’t only cost less, but they’re cheaper to maintain and run.
4. Think about using CNG or LPG fuel alternatives
CNG (compressed natural gas) and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) are two cleaner fuel alternatives. CNG is made up of methane, which is emitted and harvested naturally in rubbish tips, while LPG is comprised of propane and butane. Where CNG releases less greenhouse gas overall, LPG releases carbon dioxide at much lower levels than gasoline.
Although compressed natural gas isn’t available at UK pumps, several companies will happily install one for you if required. Furthermore, both the Iveco Daily and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter come in CNG variants, which means you can buy off-the-shelf warranted products without having to worry about getting them converted yourself.
Top tip: Firms like Autogas convert petrol vans to LPG’s for around £1,500. Running costs then reduce to around 10p per mile instead of 17p per mile when running diesel engines. With CO2 down 17% and NOx reduced by 20% and over (plus no particulate emissions), LPG is a great alternative. When you hit 80,000 miles, a van that’s run on LPG saves £2,800 in fuel over diesel.
5. Install a speed limiter and black box in your van
To instantly reduce issues with diesel fuel engines, install a telematic to stop you or your drivers from wasting fuel. Not only do they limit driver abuse by monitoring location, speed, idling time, harsh acceleration or braking, fuel consumption, vehicle faults and more, but they also reduce your insurance premium and contribute to your green-credentials. It’s a win-win!
Last edited by Lauren; 25-03-21 at 12:40.
