Most of us are watching expenditures carefully as fuel prices surge. Don’t worry, though, I don’t think anyone is in need of a new car. A few small changes can cut fuel costs each month. A combination of good driving habits and regular car maintenance can really add up in monthly savings.
You’re responsible for fuel economy. Drivers are rarely aware of fuel consumed by quick acceleration followed by a hard stop. Stop wasting fuel. Being an ‘anticipation driver’ helps drivers avoid stop and go scenarios. Save fuel by easing into the accelerator after coming to a smooth stop. Be sure to do a slow gradual start to the car instead of a hard ‘floor it’ start. Easy driving improves economy and lessens the use of additional resources like the clutch and brakes.
A car’s fuel economy is affected by the amount of care the owner shows to the vehicle. There are things that cause an engine to work needlessly and burn fuel in the process. If you treat your car to routine maintenance, an oil change, and an annual check up, your car goes where you need it to go.
Having to pay for all the everyday maintenance is a pain, but in the long run, maintaining a vehicle saves money. If you show a car love, a car will love you back by being kind to your wallet.
Another element of your vehicle’s efficiency that is often overlooked is tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres make your vehicle consume more fuel, as the rolling resistance of the vehicle increases causing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. It is important to check your tyre pressure at least once a month. Also, make sure to check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cold. They are considered cold when the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours. Adjust the pressure to the level that is recommended in your owner’s manual or on the sticker on the inside of the driver’s side door.
There are a couple more things to keep in mind. For instance, what do you have in your car both inside and out on the roof? Added drag and therefore fuel consumption is increased by a roof rack or roof box that is fitted but not used regularly. Weight is added to the back of the car by a messy boot, and even an old toolbox or bags of clothes you keep meaning to give to charity. A quick clean-out is worth doing.
Another easy win is trip planning. Combining several small trips into one longer trip reduces cold starts that lower fuel efficiency. Rather than burning fuel idling in traffic, satellite navigation systems or smartphone apps may help you avoid traffic and plan a route that is less congested. Stop-start technology was installed in many of the newer models of cars. For older models without this technology simply turning the engine off if you are going to be idling for more than sixty seconds is a good way to save fuel.
It’s never a bad idea to take a few minutes to compare fuel prices when you notice a price drop. Filling stations a few miles down the road from you can drastically change prices. Free fuel-pricing apps show the best prices near you and can save you money. Supermarket fuel might be worth a look too as it can be priced competitively, bonus loyalty points or savings might happen if you’re fuelling and shopping.
These changes may not affect your finances all that quickly, but over the course of a year, you can definitely see a difference with your fuel costs. Take on a couple habits, like checking your tyres once a month and taking your foot off the accelerator a little, and build from there. Those small changes really can pile up to pounds in your pocket.