Whether you’re moving house, collecting furniture or transporting equipment for work, fuel consumption is worth considering when hiring a van. The way you drive, the weight you’re carrying and the type of vehicle you choose can all have an impact on how much fuel you use.
Making a few simple changes to your driving habits can help you get more miles from every tank, keep running costs down and reduce unnecessary emissions. Here are six practical ways to improve fuel efficiency during your van hire.
Six Ways to Get More Miles From Your Rental Van
1. Adopt a smoother driving style
The way you handle a van has a direct effect on its fuel consumption. Sudden acceleration, heavy braking and unnecessarily high speeds all put extra demands on the engine.
Try to maintain a steady pace, accelerate gradually and look ahead to anticipate changes in traffic. This allows you to slow down naturally rather than relying on sudden braking.
Where road conditions allow, maintaining a consistent speed can also help reduce fuel usage, particularly on longer journeys.
2. Think ahead and plan your journey
Taking a little time to plan your route before setting off can help avoid unnecessary mileage and wasted fuel.
Traffic jams, roadworks and frequent stop-start driving can all increase fuel consumption. Using a reliable navigation app can help you identify delays and find alternative routes where appropriate.
If you have several collections or deliveries to make, try to organise them into one journey rather than making multiple trips. A well-planned route can save both time and fuel.
3. Avoid carrying unnecessary weight
A heavily loaded van needs more energy to get moving and maintain speed, which can increase fuel consumption.
Before setting off, check that you’re only carrying what you actually need. Remove any unnecessary belongings, tools or equipment and make sure your load is distributed safely and evenly.
If your rental van has a roof rack or other external equipment that you don’t need, removing it can also help reduce wind resistance.
Remember, always stay within the vehicle’s maximum permitted payload.
4. Check your tyres before setting off
Tyre condition and pressure can influence how efficiently your van drives. Under-inflated tyres create additional rolling resistance, meaning the engine has to work harder and use more fuel.
Before your journey, check that the tyres are properly inflated and look for any obvious signs of damage.
As you’re driving a rental vehicle, you should also report any concerns about tyre condition or general vehicle performance to the hire company before setting off.
5. Switch off when you’re not moving
Leaving the engine running while parked or waiting can waste fuel, particularly if you’re making several stops throughout the day.
If you’re going to be stationary for more than a short period, consider switching off the engine when it’s safe and appropriate to do so.
Air conditioning can also increase fuel consumption, so use it sensibly and avoid running it unnecessarily.
Small changes like these can make a difference over the course of a longer journey.
6. Pick a van that suits your load
Choosing the right size of van is another important consideration when it comes to fuel efficiency.
Hiring a vehicle that’s larger than you need can mean carrying around unnecessary space and weight. Equally, choosing one that’s too small could mean making additional journeys to transport everything.
Consider what you’re moving before booking:
- Small vans: A practical choice for smaller collections, deliveries and lighter loads.
- Medium vans: Ideal for transporting larger items, furniture and equipment.
- Long-wheelbase vans: Offer additional loading space for bulkier items and longer loads.
- Luton vans: Particularly useful for house moves and transporting large volumes of furniture.
Choosing a vehicle that matches your requirements can help make your journey more economical and avoid unnecessary trips.
Make your next van hire journey more efficient
Getting the best fuel efficiency from a rental van doesn’t have to be complicated. Driving smoothly, planning ahead, keeping unnecessary weight to a minimum and choosing the right vehicle can all help reduce fuel consumption.
At Sheffield Van Hire, we offer a range of vehicles to suit everything from smaller collections and local deliveries to full house moves and commercial requirements.
Take a look at our van hire options and find the right vehicle for your next journey.
