With the cost of fuel making a big dent in the family budget, we all need to squeeze those extra few miles out of every litre. So here are my top 10 tips for saving on your fuel bill
1. Get the cheapest fuel
Use a comparison website such as www.petrolprices.com to find your cheapest local petrol station. These sites are updated several times a day so it helps to to check them every time you need fuel. Alternatively you can register to receive regular email updates.
2. Check your tyres
Poorly inflated tyres mean that your engine has to work harder, burning more fuel. Check your tyres weekly and make sure they are inflated to the manufacturer's requirements, most cars these days have these printed behind the fuel flap.
3. Lighten the load
Spring clean your car. It's amazing how much rubbish we carry in our cars from toolboxes, sports gear, coats etc. So give your boot a good clear out. Also, if you have a baby seat, but are not using it, then unclip it and leave it indoors.
4. Make your car more aerodynamic
Close your windows and sunroof when driving, the less resistance your car has the less fuel it will use. Also if you have a roof rack remove it when not in use as this alone could increase your fuel consumption by 30%.
5. Don't warm the engine up.
Don't leave your engine running before you drive off it's a big waste of fuel. Drive gently for the first few minutes of your journey instead.
6. Drive smoothly
You will use less fuel if you maintain a steady speed and avoid sudden stop start movements due to accelerating or braking sharply.
7. Avoid unnecessary engine use
Switch your engine off in traffic jams and switching off your air con will save fuel.
8. Avoid short journeys
Travelling for journeys of less than ten minutes results in poor fuel consumption. Minimise these journeys by walking or using public transport, if possible. If you do have to drive short distances combine a number of outings into one longer journey.
9. Change gears efficiently
Change gear at around 2000rpm in a diesel car or around 2500rpm in a petrol car to put less strain on your engine and use less fuel.
10. Go green
Convert your engine to run on liquid petroleum gas (LPG). It costs a lot less than petrol or diesel and conversion costs are around £1000 to £1500.
If you integrate these tips into your driving and car maintenance habits you will find that you will be putting less pounds in your fuel tank and more in your wallet. Oh, and one last tip – clean your car. A recent study by Halfords claimed that failing to keep cars clean costs UK motorists £95milloin a year in wasted fuel. Apparently dirty cars carry as much as 5kg of dirt around on them.
