As exciting as the beginning of a New Year sounds, we all know that as the years pass by, inflation on day-to-day expenses continues to increase at a rapid rate.
On the bright side, however, you can take control of your petrol costs by making smart choices about your driving habits. Not only has technological innovation in the automotive industry improved the fuel economy of most vehicles, but it is also possible to optimise your petrol expenses by making easily manageable changes in your driving style and being considerate of the condition and maintenance of your vehicle.
Here are eight fuel-saving tips to get you through this financially stressful month – and the rest of the year – without wasting money at the petrol pumps:
1. Service your car regularly:
Keeping your engine in good working condition will make sure that your vehicle uses petrol as efficiently as possible. Get into the habit of scheduling regular services for your vehicle with a reputable service centre.
2. Are you aerodynamic?
Did you know that the more you increase wind resistance, the more fuel you use? You can therefore keep your petrol costs lower by keeping all your windows closed and driving at an optimum speed for your vehicle. It’s also advisable to avoid carrying bulky objects on your roof racks, such as bicycles.
3. Pack smart:
The heavier the load your vehicle has to carry, the more petrol it will use to get you from A to B. Pack as light as possible when you’re going on holiday and avoid driving around with heavy items stored in your boot, such as a gym bag packed with sports equipment.
4. Avoid idling:
Keeping your car’s engine running when you’re not moving burns petrol unnecessarily. If you’re stuck in traffic or waiting for someone for more than 10 seconds, opt to switch off your engine rather than idling your vehicle.
5. Gear up:
Do you drive a manual car? Each time you shift into a higher gear, you reduce your engine speed and use fuel more efficiently. So, make sure to gear up as soon as you can.
6. Keep your battery healthy:
When your battery is worn out, not properly charged or being drained while you’re driving, this can impact your fuel economy. It’s therefore always a good idea to check your battery regularly and keep it in good working condition.
7. Avoid rush hour:
If your schedule allows it, avoid stop-start rush hour traffic. All that braking and accelerating puts serious pressure on your petrol reserves. If there’s nothing you can do about the times you commute to and from work, you may want to consider car pooling with a colleague or two, so you can share the cost of petrol.
8. Be tyre smart
Keeping your tyres inflated to the recommended pressure will help to reduce drag on the road and decrease the amount of petrol you use. Pumping your tyres up regularly also keeps you safer on the road and helps to prolong the lifespan of your tyres themselves – which again saves you money.
We hope you can use these tips to keep your fuel costs more manageable during 2020. Get in touch for more advice on everything vehicle-related, or to find out about the fuel-efficient vehicles we have on our showroom floor.
