With the latest average petrol and diesel prices at all-time highs, filling up your beloved 4×4 has never been so costly. Whilst the current prices for petrol and diesel in the UK are expected to fall, it doesn’t hurt to protect yourself from the inflated costs of fuel in the meantime.
There are many ways that you can save fuel as a 4×4 driver. Here we take a closer look at the facts and myths of fuel saving to help you spend less money at the pump.
Myth: Fuel saving is impossible when off-roading
Off-roading and fuel saving are two terms that aren’t often mentioned in the same breath. The slow speeds associated with manoeuvring obstacles off-road have a reputation for consuming fuel at an almost alarming rate.
There are however many steps you can take to improve fuel efficiency when off-roading and it all starts with your driving style as Suzuki explains:
“If your 4×4 has a low range option, this should be selected only in difficult conditions where maximum power and torque are called for. Low range can be used at speeds of up to 30 km/h off-road. To get the best fuel consumption in this situation use the highest gear possible to negotiate the route – this will bring the revs down, giving you better consumption and still staying in the powerband.”
Fact: Using your air con increases fuel consumption
Whilst often considered a myth, using your air conditioning system, especially when off-roading at a slower pace, can burn more fuel.
According to Merityre Specialists, fuel consumption can be increased by as much as 10% when using your air conditioning. If driving at speeds below 50mph, opening your windows is often more fuel efficient than using your vehicle’s air conditioning system. Reducing your vehicle’s load and adapting your driving style can however counter the fuel-draining effects of air con.
Myth: Your 4×4’s tyre pressure isn’t important for fuel saving
When 4WDing, adjusting your tyres to the correct pressure is critical. The right pressure gives you more traction to take on various terrains.
With correctly inflated tyres, you’ll also minimise damage to tracks when green laning, and cause less wear and tear to your tyres and wider 4×4. Contrary to popular belief, inflating or deflating your tyres to the correct pressure is great for fuel saving too, especially when driving a fully loaded 4×4.
Fact: Overloading isn’t just dangerous and illegal, it’s a fuel drainer
When modifying or building your 4×4, doing so within the loading capacity of your vehicle is important. As well as the added weight of upgrades increasing wind resistance, it’ll affect the fuel consumption of your vehicle.
Choosing the right winch and other upgrades for your needs will ensure your 4×4 performs safely, illegal overloading is avoided, and you can take on the toughest settings. Your vehicle’s loading capacity will be reduced with every upgrade you make, so be sure to account for this when preparing for any off-road trip.
Upgrade your 4×4 the right way by browsing our selection of 4×4 products from the world’s best brands.
Image: Peter Gudella / Shutterstock.com
