7 Fuel Saving Ideas

We all love to complain about the price of fuel, and few of us understand the mysteries around the seemingly random increases and decreases in costs at the pump. There are things we can all do to improve our gas mileage, however, whether we drive a brand new car or an old beater. Take a look at these fuel saving tips and put some extra money in your pocket.

Tire Pressures

Get used to checking your tire pressures regularly, at least once a week. Under-inflated tires cause excessive rolling resistance which results in burning more fuel. Conversely, the right tire pressures will reduce rolling resistance and therefore use less fuel.

How heavy is your load?

It makes sense that if your vehicle is loaded down with stuff your car is going to have to work harder in order to run, which means that it will take more gas to operate. Obviously there will be times when this cannot be avoided. But there may be an accumulation of stuff in your car that doesn’t really need to be there all the time, such as sporting equipment or tire chains. Lighten your load as often as possible and enjoy the perks of fuel saving.

Watch your lead foot

If you are one of those drivers who like to punch the accelerator to make quick manoeuvres, you are likely not going to enjoy any fuel saving. Try to maintain a more consistent speed, and even use cruise control when highway driving. These tips will help you to consume less fuel and may even have you arriving at your destination in a much calmer state!

It’s all about smooth

There’s a reason why jets are smooth and curved on the outside. They are specifically designed so that the air slides on by, rather than creating resistance to air flow. The same principle applies to your vehicle. If you have piled luggage on the roof and opened all your windows, the air can get “caught” and pull on your vehicle, slowing it down and causing it to work much harder to keep a steady pace. Once again, anything that works against efficiency will reduce your fuel saving.

Plan your trips carefully

Did you know that a cold car burns more fuel? Consider doing all of your errands in one trip rather than taking several trips from a cold start. A warm vehicle provides significant fuel saving over a cold one.

Premium versus regular fuel

Many people are under the impression that buying premium fuel improves their fuel saving. This is actually not true. Some studies have indicated that only about 6% of all vehicles on the road actually require premium fuel. If your car’s manufacturer isn’t recommending premium fuel then you are wasting your money!

Schedule regular maintenance

Having your vehicle serviced and maintained can help to support your fuel saving plan. Even small things, such as under-inflated tires, poor quality oil or corroded battery cables can cause your car to work too hard and end up costing you money.