Which route uses most fuel

WLM21

A recent job change means I am traveling about 14 miles to work.

During the school holidays, this was a straightforward 30 minutes trip, on normal urban roads (30 and 40 mph limits) but now it also involves about 10-15 minutes sitting at various junctions waiting .

A separate route, about 5 miles further involves much dual carriageway roads, which are usually clear, as well as being done at higher speeds

Which journey would use the most fuel

Thank you !

Sambucus_Nigra

The stop starts always use more fuel, I always opt for clearer faster even if longer.

spiro

Fill your car up, drive to and from work for a week using route 1 and then fill up to see how much fuel you have used. The next week do the same using route 2. Compare the 2 will give you an idea of the difference.

Hintza

Do one route one week and the other route the next, I suspect the longer route might be a shade better but I doubt there will be much in it. So I would opt for the faster less stressful route. I would also suggest the smoother route will carry significantly less risk of having a minor prang.

Arfa__

I'd also guess the longer route would be better. Will depend on your where cars sweet spot is, speed for best economy. If you're blitzing down the dual carriage way at 70-80mph, then it probably won't be better. doing a steady 50-60mph and it'll probably be much better.

As mentioned, stopping/starting always kills your economy. You want to be smooth and steady, maintain your momentum. Whilst stuck in a jam, you're economy drops to 0mpg.

Do do an accurate comparison as described above though.

reeac

Arfa__ wrote: »

I'd also guess the longer route would be better. Will depend on your where cars sweet spot is, speed for best economy. If you're blitzing down the dual carriage way at 70-80mph, then it probably won't be better. doing a steady 50-60mph and it'll probably be much better.

As mentioned, stopping/starting always kills your economy. You want to be smooth and steady, maintain your momentum. Whilst stuck in a jam, you're economy drops to 0mpg.

Do do an accurate comparison as described above though.

Stop/start will cause more wear on brakes and clutch as well.

paddedjohn

Can't you leave 15-20 mins earlier to miss the school traffic? When I'm going home from work in the morning and I leave at 7.45am I cn be home by 8.10am but if I leave at 8am then it can take me 40-45 mins to do the same journey, doesn't sound much but its nice to get home to bed asap after a 12hr shift.

almillar

Slowing down and speeding up to 30 multiple times, as well as the idling, means that 60 and probably even 70 will get you there faster and with less fuel.

WLM21

Thank you for all the replies.