The
Australian Bureau of Statistics states that over 68% of us drive a car as our primary mode of
transport to get to work. That’s a staggering number of cars on our roads.
School is about to head back for the last term of the year and hopefully you’re feeling well rested after
some
time off with the kids. When heading back to work, public transport isn’t a viable option for all of us. In
this
article we’re going to look at a few ways you can save money commuting to work if a car is your primary mode
of
transport.
Before we even consider the obvious tyres we need to talk about basic vehicle maintenance. Dirty air
filters,
old spark plugs or faulty electronic sensors can cause fuel economy to suffer. At Donnellans, we offer our
Easy
Select 1-2-3 servicing plans, which provide options ranging from a basic fluid change and check-up,
to a
comprehensive vehicle service.
A wheel alignment is essential, not just for the life of your tyres but for your fuel economy. After all, if
your car has to fight four wheels that aren’t always pointing in the same direction it will be working a lot
harder to maintain highway speeds. Maintaining correct tyre pressures is one of the easiest ways to improve
your
fuel economy. We have an article about Tyre Pressures
here.
From aerodynamic tyres to Silica additives, let’s look at some of the next-generation technological
advancements
in tyre technology that aim to save you money.
The Ecopia range from Bridgestone is expansive and covers tyres to suit small cars, crossovers and SUVs. For
tyres like the Ecopia EP300, the rubber in the tyre tread is bonded to Silica and Carbon molecules in a way
that
reduces the heat in the tyre during use. This decreases rolling resistance which Bridgestone says equates to
around 4% less fuel used. The tread blocks in the tyre feature chamfered edges to prevent the tyre tread
flexing
under heavy braking in wet and dry conditions.
The Pirelli Cinturato series is well known for being a great tyre for fuel economy and long lasting tread
life.
Pirelli has recently updated the lineup with the P1. With an improved compound over the previous offerings
in
the Cinturato range, The P1 has a lower rolling resistance without sacrificing wet weather performance.
Pirelli says its engineers have even improved aerodynamic efficiency of the tyre sidewall in an effort to
eke
out as much fuel savings as possible. With the tyre itself weighing less than competitors, Pirelli is
showing it
is taking the eco market as seriously as it takes its Formula 1 contract.
Continental has a great tyre for you if your commute is a significant distance. The ContiEcoContact5 was
designed
from the ground up to provide excellent efficiency while retaining wet weather grip. Continental describes
the
tyre as requiring a total rethink of their four design pillars: ‘design, contour, compound and tread
pattern’.
The tread features very thin sipes designed to reduce tyre deformation, increasing energy efficiency.
The above advice and tyre recommendations can only do so much. A huge part of fuel efficient driving is up
to
the driver. Engines use much more fuel when they’re cold, so try to combine errands and trips ensuring that
your
car stays warm longer. Plan your commute to avoid stop-start traffic. A longer route with fewer stops and
starts
is much more economical than sitting in a traffic jam, even if your car has automatic engine stop-start
technology. Try to anticipate road conditions ahead of you so you’re not accelerating aggressively up to the
speed limit only to have to brake hard a hundred metres down the road, for example.
Here at Donnellans the Tyremen, we specialise in tyre choice and fitment as well as being experts in
suspension
and wheel alignments. With a fully equipped workshop we are able to assess your vehicle for ways to improve
your
commute to and from work and save
With 5 stores across Melbourne there is one near you.
