Economical Driving in a Hire Car

Renting a car can save you a whole lot of hassle, whether you’re in need of emergency transport from an airport, or require a more suitable vehicle for a cross country trek. A rental car can be a convenient and cost-effective way of getting around, and you can make it even more so by paying close attention to your driving habits, as well as picking the best hire car possible in the first place.

In this article, we’re looking at the best ways of cutting down on fuel costs when driving a rental car, including before, during and after the rental period.

Non-aggressive driving style

When behind the wheel of a rental car, you should curb any aggressive tendencies to ensure you’re driving smoothly – and safely – at all times. Constant start-stop driving, with hard braking and forceful acceleration, will use up much more fuel than you would by simply taking things nice and slow.

Incorporate a smooth and steady driving style by avoiding sudden or harsh braking and accelerating. Give yourself enough time to read the road properly, so you can approach bends, junctions and hazards appropriately while remaining in constant control. Not only is this vastly safer than relying on quick reactions and heavy braking, but your fuel economy will improve substantially, too.

Shed weight

You’re probably hiring a car for a specific purpose, so there’s little point filling your rental car with anything that isn’t necessary for the task at hand. If you’re simply using the car for your own personal use, there’s no need to fill up the boot with miscellaneous items that you more than likely won’t need. Limit your luggage to the essentials to keep things efficient.

Rentals are usually short term, so be realistic with what you will and won’t need; you might be tempted to lug a bicycle or some sporting equipment with you, but if you don’t have the time to use it, you’ll end up paying for it with every mile.

Tyre pressure

It’s worth checking the tyre pressure of your rental car before each journey, to make sure you’re running as efficiently as possible at all times. Under-inflated tyres can be the main source of poor fuel economy, and it’s something many drivers don’t pay any attention to until it becomes a noticeable problem.

Check the manufacturer’s handbook for the recommended tyre pressure, and inflate as necessary to ensure you’re getting the most for your money, no matter how long your journey.

Efficient cars from reputable companies

The most important consideration before committing to any car rental is to first choose a reliable rental company, then choose the most suitable car for your purpose. You might be tempted to hire something more adventurous than the car you own, but renting a 4×4 just for show will cost you more in the long run than sticking to something more humble and efficient.

That said, if you’re off mountaineering or heading off-road, then a 4×4 will be a wise choice. The main thing to keep in mind is to choose the best car for your needs, then driving it in the manner we talked about at the beginning of this article.

Renting an older car will put you at a disadvantage from the beginning, with poorer fuel economy than more recent models. Choosing a reputable company who ensures that their vehicles are, for example, no more than 12 months old, will set you off on the right foot immediately, giving you a rental car that is in good, reliable condition with decent fuel economy to boot.

Gatwick Car and Van Rental provide low cost, high-quality vehicle hire throughout Crawley and the surrounding areas. Our fleet of vehicles are less than a year old and are regularly maintained to provide the most reliable and efficient rental experience possible. To find out more about all of our rental services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.