Ways to Save Fuel
Tips to save fuel
Fuel costs are soaring and do not look like settling down any time soon. Saving fuel can seem a daunting challenge not only to the commuter who lives off the beaten track, but to those families on a strict budget who have to watch their monthly costs. However, with some careful planning and some careful driving it is more than possible to cut back on your fuel.
Work from home
Depending on the type of job you do it may be possible to negotiate work from home hours with your boss. Communication tools are impressive these days and with the use of Internet, faxes, phones and video conferencing this option is becoming open to more and more. Sell it to your boss in terms of the company saving money on office costs and higher productivity rather than concentrating on the benefits to you.
Public transport
This option will be dependent on where you live and your proximity to buses and trains. If you live in the suburbs this method of transport will be very viable and save fuel every day.
Car share
If there are several people at work who live near you approach them about a car share scheme. Compromises may need to be made here so that everybody agrees to work the same hours but the saved fuel costs outweigh any small inconveniences.
Down size and lighten up
A small car with a small engine may not be what you are used to but can pay dividends in the long run. It can cut fuel use by half. If changing the car is not an option ensure that you clear it out regularly of heavy items to keep it as light as possible. Try to resist the urge to modify it with spoilers and such as this just adds extra weight. And when refuelling half fill the tank instead of driving round with a full heavy tank. Yes you will have to stop slightly more to refill but again, think of the savings on fuel.
Maintenance
Keeping your tyre pressure at the optimum level and maintaining the engine so it is always running at its most efficient are two simple methods of saving fuel.
Be a careful driver
Avoid accelerating and braking hard and drive as smoothly as you can to reduce your fuel use. Keep an eye on the road ahead and plan your driving to take into account was is on the road. If there are lights or bad traffic, then give yourself time to slow gradually. On longer journeys drive at a consistent speed. 56 miles per hour is the most efficient speed. Avoid excessive starting, stopping and gear changing as much as is safely possible.
When attempting to save fuel the benefits are not seen immediately but build up gradually over time. A gallon less in your car each week may not seem like much but if you can save that each week that adds up to 52 gallons a year, which is the equivalent of several extra journeys. If you can try to incorporate these tips into your every day driving then these savings and more are within your reach.
