Ways to Save Money on Petrol
The price of petrol is never far from people’s minds. Despite a recent dip in forecourt prices, the cost of refuelling your car is still at a premium and not likely to get any better. Over 50 percent – plus VAT – of the price we pay for our fuel goes straight to the Government so it’s no wonder the majority of us are looking for ways to reduce our petrol consumption so that we can at least save a few of our hard earned £s from disappearing into this black hole! There are a number of ways in which you can do this.
Drive Slower
According to a recent study, driving more slowly cut your fuel costs by up to £500 a year. Tests carried out by What Car? magazine found that the average car consumes 38% more fuel at 70mph than it does over the same distance at 50mph. At 60mph it uses 34% more than at 40mph. Driving at 85mph uses approximately 25% more fuel than at 70mph and is also likely to get you a speeding ticket, so slow down!
Change your Driving Style
Making some changes to your style of driving will improve your fuel economy. Try and keep your driving smooth and avoid heavy acceleration or braking. Make sure you’re in the right gear too. If you can and where appropriate of course, try to slow down gradually using your gears, so that you come to a standstill without actually having to use the brake. Always keep focused on the road ahead and try to anticipate conditions so that you can change gear in plenty of time and avoid harsh acceleration or deceleration.
Turn the Air Con Off
Air conditioning can cost you an extra 25% in fuel. Instead of the air con use your air vents or open the window. However, if you are travelling at speeds of more than 60mpg you will be better off using the air con than opening the windows as open windows increase drag which can cost more in fuel at high speeds than using the air con.
Check Your Tyre Pressure
Driving with soft tyres can add up to 2% to your fuel bills according to the RAC. So it will pay you to keep your tyres inflated to the correct level. Your owners manual will give you the recommended tyre pressure for your particular vehicle. Check your tyre pressure weekly, most garages have machines that you can use to do this.
Keep Your Car in Good Working Order
Engines that are not running efficiently can reduce fuel economy by more than 10% so have your vehicle serviced regularly – at least once a year – some people I know have theirs serviced twice a year in summer and winter. And something as simple as a dirty air filter can substantially reduce your fuel economy so make sure they are changed regularly too. You can do this yourself quite easily. Oil, too, should be changed every few months – having clean oil reduces the wear caused by the friction of moving engine parts and this in turn helps to reduce fuel consumption.
Get Rid of Excess Weight
Extra weight means extra fuel consumption. So empty the boot of any clutter that you usually lug around in there and remove roof racks, top boxes and tow bars when not in use.
www.nef.org.ukwww.rac.co.uk
