ALT-2 How to Save Fuel
The price of fuel is staggeringly high and stopping at the pumps produces an unwelcome large bill. Cutting back on fuel costs is something which we can aim to do and one of the best ways to reduce expenditure is to use less fuel and make the fuel we have go further. Back in the days when I learnt to drive I had three professional lessons with an ex policeman and the rest with my Father. Both were obsessed with not wasting fuel and drummed into me their cautious ways of how to save fuel as I drove.
The most sensible tip which I have always followed is to not stop and start unnecessarily. When approaching traffic lights which are red in the distance slow down as you approach. Hopefully by the time you reach them the traffic lights will be green again and you can just continue without wasting fuel. Keep a distance from the car in front of you in case it brakes suddenly and that way you can slow down without braking suddenly yourself.
Driving a small car makes economic sense as they use less fuel and are also much easier to park. They also weigh less when driving up steep hills and mountains which is a positive factor when it comes to saving fuel. If you carpool to save fuel costs then try and choose lightweight passengers. Also ask the man at the gas station to check your tire pressures regularly when you stop to fill up with gas as fully blown up tires save you fuel too, plus are much safer when the roads are wet and slippery.
Very practical things you can do to save fuel costs is to know which gas stations carry the cheapest fuel and fill up where the price is less. It can also pay to have a credit card which gives a rebate or reward points on gas purchases, but naturally you should ensure that the balance is cleared in full each month. When the prices go down it makes sense to have gas delivered and stored in a tank so you can fill up without needing to pay the higher prices.
Manual cars which are fuelled by unleaded diesel are more cost efficient to run so it is worth bearing in mind next time you come to change your vehicle. Of course you can save even more fuel by not using the car for unnecessary trips, by walking more or taking up cycling. Where ever possible share a journey with someone else and split the fuel costs or take it in turns to drive. There are far too many vehicles clogging the roads with a solitary person behind the wheel on regular trips to the workplace.
These tips can help to save fuel, which is both good for your wallet and helpful to the environment. If you don’t practice some of them already then try to incorporate a few when next behind the wheel and remember to continue with them if the price of fuel ever goes down again.
