17-02-2011

With public sector cuts, VAT hikes, rising petrol prices and a high rate of inflation, the old adage of ‘look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves’ has never rung so true. However, the benefits of a reduction in fuel emissions are numerous. Not only will you save on your van insurance, you will also be able reduce the levels of CO2 your vehicle emits, as well as helping to prolong the lifespan of your vehicle.

As a running cost of a transport company, it is not unusual for fuel to represent up to 30% of overheads. Along with high insurance costs, such expenditure can prove insurmountable. Here, courtesy of Van Compare, are a few tips to help you reduce your fuel emissions.

Buying the right vehicle in the first place, even if it costs a little more initially, will save you money in the long run. Even similar vans can have quite drastically varying fuel economy. With the money you will save on fuel every month you will soon recoup your initial outlay, thus reducing insurance costs further down the line.

Ensure you buy the right van for the job. Size is important. Having a van which is too big or too small for the job is inefficient, and will cost you more in the long run. And it’s not only physical size which is a consideration, it is essential that the engine size, transmission and body type are suitable for the type of work you will be carrying out and the kind of driving you will most regularly be involved in. Most suitable for motorway journeys are manual 6 speed gearboxes, as the high ratios will allow you to travel at speed without burning too much fuel. In general, smaller engine vehicles are most suitable for carrying light goods, whilst more powerful vehicles make lighter work of a heavy load.

Assess your employees driving style and invest in driving training if necessary. As a rule, heavy feet lead to increased fuel consumption. Rapid acceleration and heavy braking are also indicative of dangerous driving, so driver training will not only help reduce fuel costs, but will also result in cheap van insurance.

An important factor in fuel consumption which is the often overlooked is the tyre pressures. Tyres should be kept at the PSI recommended in the vehicle handbook. Tyres which are not fully inflated will waste fuel and increase wear, leading to excessive tyre replacement and fuel costs.

If you follow the tips above, not only will your fuel costs drop, but you will also see a marked decrease in your insurance premium. Here at van Compare we do the leg work, scouring the market to bring you cheap van insurance quotes.