Petrol prices continue to rise and the cost of motoring is a major part of most people’s budget. In times such as these, it is even more important to pay attention to our driving habits, because there are many ways in which we can fight back. Here are some of the methods used by drivers that can have a significant impact on the amount of fuel you use in your day-to-day journeys.
Before you start
Money saving habits can start before you even get into the car and regular maintenance routines can help you to use less fuel. A good area to begin with is the tyres and making sure that they are inflated to the recommended levels at all times. Not only is this an important safety feature, but this action will also save you money on petrol and diesel costs, so check the correct level in your handbook and act accordingly. It is widely recommended that you check the tyre pressures once a week at the very least.
Reducing weight in the car also helps, so make sure that any excess and unnecessary luggage is taken out before you set off. Even litter can affect the performance, so take it out and keep your vehicle clean at all times.
On the road
Maintaining your speed is another habit that has a dual function in keeping you safe whilst reducing your fuel costs and some of the savings in financial terms will surprise you. On the motorway, for example, if you drive at 80 miles per hour rather than at the national speed limit of 70mph, you will use up to 25% more fuel whilst you do so and you only need to check your monthly fuel bills to find out just how much that extra 25% is costing you.
Gentle, rather than sudden acceleration is also recommended and it is also advisable to avoid ‘idling’. Traffic jams may be unavoidable, but running your engine whilst stationary can use up to a litre of fuel every sixty minutes. It is far better to switch off your engine and then turn it back on again once the traffic starts to move.
You should also look to top up your car before you start to run low on fuel. Many of us wait for that warning light to come on and then leave it as late as possible to fill up, but any car will use more petrol or diesel when it is running low.
All of these recommendations are good driving habits that will keep costs down. Follow these tips now and you will find that you visit the pumps less frequently.
Compare Prices
Even if you are a driver with moderate monthly mileage, it will pay to buy your petrol from the cheapest outlet and a little research on the internet will allow you to compare prices in your area.
Naturally, it makes no sense to drive for several miles just to save one or two pence a litre, but if you know where the cheaper outlets are in your town, it will help. Overall, there are many ways to fight back in the war against rising fuel prices, so keep them in mind at all times and you’ll notice the savings almost immediately.
Post provided by Tony, writing for SO Switch. If you’re looking to reduce the cost of running a car, compare car insurance at SO Switch.