With the price of fuel rising inexorably, many of us could do with some savings on filling up the car. I'm paying 27% more per litre than this time last year!Here are some ways you can save money:
- Don't drive around with a car rack and/or roof box unnecessarily. They create drag and therefore waste fuel.
- Keep your tyres at the right pressure. These tyre pressures are calculated to maximise your car's efficiency.
- The more gently you accelerate, the less petrol you use. Ever wondered why the official fuel consumption figures for your car don't match your own? It's because they are based on extremely gentle acceleration. I doubt anyone could match these figures and stay sane but if you're heavy on the gas, you might save some money by easing back on the pedal.
- Change up through the gears as soon as possible. Over-revving the engine wastes petrol.
- Sit at junctions with your handbrake on rather than slipping your clutch. Riding your clutch wastes petrol unnecessarily.
- Get your car serviced regularly. Spark plug settings etc. can have a noticeable effect on your fuel consumption.
- Consider 'down-sizing' your car. Smaller cars use considerably less fuel. Ask yourself if you really need a larger car. If you're a 2 or more car family, would just 1 family car plus a smaller car do instead (That's one I'm working on at the moment)? If you do need a larger car, consider a hybrid as your next purchase.
- Walk, cycle, or use public transport wherever possible or maybe do it once or twice a week.
- Car share if possible. My wife and I work within half a mile of each other. We leave the house at the same time most days but have very different return times. So I'm working on car sharing with her some mornings and cycling back in the afternoons using a folding bike I can just chuck in the back of the car. Saving fuel AND getting fit. I like it!
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