FREE Tips on how John Grose can help both your car and your money go further... 

• Miles Per gallon (MPG) - Cars that use less fuel are cheaper to run. To save money on fuel, focus on a car’s fuel consumption (miles per gallon) The higher the mpg figure, the lower the fuel consumption.
• Emissions - All conventional cars give out carbon dioxide (CO2) the main gas that contributes to climate change. A high miles per gallon figure will translate into low emissions.
• Road Tax - Cars in the UK have had their tax based on their carbon emission figure and type of fuel that they use. A more economical car can currently save you almost £200 in car tax each year.
• Petrol or Diesel? Choose the right fuel for you and your driving. Petrol has been the most popular fuel for cars in the UK; Petrol engines emit around 10% more carbon dioxide than diesel; however petrol cars pump out less toxic emissions than diesel. Petrol engines are generally more responsive than diesel, and have traditionally offered the best choice for the average driver. Diesel engines are more economical than petrol engines, therefore they emit less CO2. Over recent years they have appeared in smaller cars, and are particularly well suited for drivers who do high motorway mileages as they return good economy figures and are generally robust and durable over high mileages.
• Manual or Automatic? Automatics can use 10% to 15% more fuel than manuals. On motorways, fuel consumption evens out so there’s less difference between manuals and automatics. Modern semi-automatic features such as button operated gear change and automatic clutch control help you use less fuel.
• Car Care – Regular servicing of your vehicle at the recommended intervals will help ensure it’s running at its optimum efficiency. The main areas that can help with your cars efficiency are the air filters, oil, spark plugs and exhaust. If you would like to book your veicle in for a Service Click here
• Size - Small cars need less energy to make them move, therefore they are more fuel efficient and produce lower emissions than large cars; cars such as the Citroen C1 1.4HDi deliver 68.9mpg.
• Technology - Some manufacturers are developing other solutions. Citroen has launched two models with ‘Stop & Start’ technology – when stopped in traffic their engines cut out.
• Tyres – If your tyres are under-inflated, you will use more fuel. By keeping them inflated correctly this can improve fuel economy by 5%. The recommended pressure for your tyres can be found in your vehicle handbook. Worn tyres will also decrease fuel efficiency, and affect your safety, so check the tread regularly. If you are replacing tyres then consider some of the newer ‘Eco’ tyres that are designed specifically to increase fuel efficiency.
• Gears – Driving in high gears is a fuel-efficient way of driving. A car travelling at 40mph in third gear can use 25% more fuel than at the same speed in fifth gear.
• Speed – The faster you drive the more fuel you use. Gentle acceleration helps improve your mpg and could save you hundreds of pounds in fuel costs every year.
• Weight - Lighter objects need less energy to make them move, and cars are no exception to the rule.
• Don’t drive erratically. Constantly accelerating and braking consumes more fuel than smoother driving.
• Shop around for the cheapest petrol, car insurance and car parking
• Close your windows. Having windows open at high speeds creates significant drag meaning that more fuel is used.
• Don’t over use air conditioning or heaters. Over heating the car and then having to open the windows is a waste of energy and lowers your fuel economy.
• Try to avoid short journeys. Driving short distances is significantly less fuel efficient than longer journeys.
• Try to avoid travelling at rush hour, wasting time, fuel and money.
• If you have to travel through London, why not choose a  car that is exempt from the congestion charge? To see the list of vehicles available from John Grose that qualify click here