In case you’ve been living under a rock for the last ten years, the price for a litre of fuel is currently at an all-time high – give or take a few pence. It’s quite incredible just how steeply the costs for petrol and diesel have risen over the past decade, and coupled with the fact that the economic climate of the UK is currently in a state of recession, getting from A to B isn’t what it used to be.
Fortunately for us, it isn’t all black and white and as motorists we can still heavily influence how much we spend at the pump. Here are the top ten ways for saving money on your fuel.
Drive slower
Needless to say this is probably the most obvious tip, but potentially the most important one of the lot. The faster you drive the more fuel you’ll be using, so slow down, relax and you might even find that you begin to enjoy driving more..
Drive in higher gears and at lower revs
This goes hand in hand with driving slower, but not everybody realises just how much fuel you can burn by operating your gears inefficiently. To maximise your economy keep your revs low by driving in the highest gear you can.
Windows down or air conditioning on?
Cars can be pretty uncomfortable environments in the summer when the sun is out – which of course isn’t something we need to worry about much in the UK! If possible, opt for your air conditioning rather than winding your windows down. Having windows down increases air resistance and can impact significantly upon fuel economy, particularly at higher speeds.
Downsize your vehicle
The size of your vehicle can play a huge role in determining how often you visit the petrol station. Larger, heavier cars generally need to be powered by bigger engines which in turn require more fuel. Do you really need a Range Rover?
Go electric
The technology in all-electric vehicles is constantly improving, and if you decide to purchase one you can rest easy in the knowledge you’ll never need to fill up at the pump again. They’re particularly effective as city cars or for people who don’t need to travel long distances, and as an additional benefit they are emission free which means free road tax.
Fill up in the morning
Petrol and diesel both expand with heat, and if you purchase it after expansion then the volume of fuel which comes out of the pump will actually be lower than that which you pay for. It is all stored underground, so fill up in the morning when the fuel is at its coolest.
Check your tyre pressures
It is important to regularly check your tyre pressures for the good of both performance and fuel economy. Under-inflated tyres are more susceptible to damage and cause increased drag which impacts negatively upon fuel economy.
Ensure your air filter is clean
An unclean air filter restricts the flow of air into the engine, which negatively affects both fuel economy and performance. Regularly check your air filter to ensure it is not dirty, and if it is – change it.
Travel with the public
A car might not necessarily be the cheapest, quickest or the most convenient method of getting from A to B. If you’re travelling into the city you need to factor in parking costs, and if you’re travelling long distances it might be worth checking the price of a train ticket; think before you get behind the wheel.
Walk once in a while
Have you considered that the reason you spend so much on fuel could be because you drive to the corner shop and back three times a day? The shortest journeys are the least efficient, so if it’s not too far then maybe it’s time to start walking every now and then!
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