The average American drives around 13,476 miles every year, and with fuel costs always on the rise this means that your car will be putting a big hole in your pocket. We use cars to take us anywhere and everywhere like to work, the shop or on holiday. You’re probably wondering how you can reduce your fuel costs without reducing how much you drive, and we have a few easy tips to get you started.
Be aware of how you’re driving
Instead of having to ditch the car and walk to save money on fuel, just be aware of how you’re driving your car. The smoother you drive, the more economically your car will use its fuel. So to save a bit of money on fuel, avoid harsh breaking, harsh accelerating and don’t go too fast. Not only will driving smoothly reduce the effect your car is having on your bank balance, but it will also mean that you’re safer on the roads and less likely to have an accident.
Consider the weight in your car
The more weight that you have in your car, the more fuel it will use. So before you set off on a journey, check what’s in your car and remove any unnecessary items. If you have a roof rack attached to your car, then take it off unless you’re going to use it. Roof racks can increase your fuel consumption by over 1%.
Instead of having to ditch the car and walk to save money on fuel, just be aware of how you’re driving your car. The smoother you drive, the more economically your car will use its fuel. So to save a bit of money on fuel, avoid harsh breaking, harsh accelerating and don’t go too fast. Not only will driving smoothly reduce the effect your car is having on your bank balance, but it will also mean that you’re safer on the roads and less likely to have an accident.
Consider the weight in your car
The more weight that you have in your car, the more fuel it will use. So before you set off on a journey, check what’s in your car and remove any unnecessary items. If you have a roof rack attached to your car, then take it off unless you’re going to use it. Roof racks can increase your fuel consumption by over 1%.
Turn off the air-con
The air-con loves to eat up your fuel, and according to studies it can increase fuel consumption by up to 25%. If your car is a little too hot, opt for putting the windows down instead of heading for the air-con. The only time that windows are less effective than the air-con is when you are travelling at a high speed.
Check your tires
Many people forget simple maintenance on their car and wait until it’s in the garage until things like lights and tires are checked. It’s important to check over all aspects of your car all the time to ensure that it’s safe for the roads. If your tires aren’t inflated properly this significantly increases your fuel consumption and also makes your car unsafe to drive.
Consider sharing a ride
If you use your car to commute to work every day, then why not see if one of your co-workers’ fancy setting up a carpool. It will help you both out as it will significantly reduce your fuel costs. Not only this, but you’ll be able to share the driving and sometimes get a rest on the way to work. If you can’t convince a colleague to carpool with you then check out Ridester to find people in your area looking to share a ride.
Cars don’t have to be overly expensive to run and by using our five easy tips you’ll be able to save some extra money for that holiday you’ve always dreamed of. Start saving money on fuel today.
The air-con loves to eat up your fuel, and according to studies it can increase fuel consumption by up to 25%. If your car is a little too hot, opt for putting the windows down instead of heading for the air-con. The only time that windows are less effective than the air-con is when you are travelling at a high speed.
Check your tires
Many people forget simple maintenance on their car and wait until it’s in the garage until things like lights and tires are checked. It’s important to check over all aspects of your car all the time to ensure that it’s safe for the roads. If your tires aren’t inflated properly this significantly increases your fuel consumption and also makes your car unsafe to drive.
Consider sharing a ride
If you use your car to commute to work every day, then why not see if one of your co-workers’ fancy setting up a carpool. It will help you both out as it will significantly reduce your fuel costs. Not only this, but you’ll be able to share the driving and sometimes get a rest on the way to work. If you can’t convince a colleague to carpool with you then check out Ridester to find people in your area looking to share a ride.
Cars don’t have to be overly expensive to run and by using our five easy tips you’ll be able to save some extra money for that holiday you’ve always dreamed of. Start saving money on fuel today.
