8 top tips to improve van fuel economy

8 simple ways to improve your lease van's fuel economy and save your money

With UK petrol and diesel prices hitting an extortionate high in 2022, filling your van’s fuel tank was (and probably still is) a painful experience. But what can you do to cut your fuel costs?

We’re all trying to save money where we can as a result of the cost-of-living crisis and the ever-increasing prices.

Buying fuel-efficient lease vans may seem like the best option if you’re wanting to cut your fuel bills, but there are also plenty of tips and tricks you can try to improve your fuel consumption.

Ranging from driving techniques, journey planning and vehicle upkeep, the following tips could have a significant effect on the time you spend at the fuel pump.

So if you want to ensure you get more bang for your buck out of every tank of fuel, keep reading.

1. Reduce your load

Have you got a habit of keeping everything and anything in your van?

Clear out all that extra clutter. If there’s less weight in your van, your engine doesn’t have to work as hard and will therefore use less fuel.

Think regularly about what you really need to take with you, and if there’s something sitting in the cargo space that’s not going to be needed then get rid of it.

2. Keep your tyres inflated

Tyres that are underinflated generate more friction and have a higher rolling resistance on the road. This will therefore mean your engine has to work harder and use more fuel. 

Ensure you check your van’s manual for the correct tyre pressure and be careful not to overinflate your tyres as this could lead to further issues.

3. Reconsider your roof rack

Don’t forget about the outside of your van.

Add-ons such as a roof rack will increase wind resistance and increase your fuel consumption.

Your van’s engine will have to work much harder and thus use more fuel, so it’s worth accessing whether you really need one.

4. Keep your van maintained

Keep your van in good condition and ensure it’s regularly serviced to keep it running efficiently.

If your van is poorly maintained, different parts could create friction and it’ll make it harder for your engine to work smoothly. You should make sure you change your engine oils to keep things running effortlessly.

If you have a van lease, it might be worth adding a maintenance package to your lease agreement to give you peace of mind.

5. Use your heater and air-con wisely

Try to avoid excessive use of your air-conditioning and your heater and only use them when you really need to. They put a strain on the engine and burn more fuel!

6. Plan your journeys

Plan your journeys to make sure you take the best route to your destination to save time and fuel. It’s worth using a sat nav to direct you away from routes with congestion and delays.

Also, if you’re planning on making several trips in one day, combine them all into one big round trip. Your engine is most fuel efficient when it’s warmed up and been on for a while, so several cold starts could increase your fuel consumption.

7. Avoid unnecessary idling

Keeping your van running while you’re stopped will get you zero miles per gallon. So, if you are waiting for someone for a few minutes, turn off your van as it will consume a lot of fuel.

8. Drive and brake as smoothly as possible

Accelerate steadily and avoid braking aggressively. Slamming on your brakes will not do your fuel economy any good and the harder your acceleration, the more fuel your van will consume.