Rising fuel prices should be factored into a vehicle’s motoring costs. To help you minimise your fuel bill, we have put together a list of tips for you to try out. At Go Car Credit, we understand the importance of making car ownership more affordable and manageable, especially if you’re exploring options for car finance with bad credit.
Remove Heavy Items from Your Car
Think about if you need to carry some of the heavy non-essential items every day in your car. The more unnecessary weight your vehicle contains, the more fuel it will consume at the pumps. Unloading items such as sports equipment, tools, or heavy luggage that you don’t need for your daily commute can make a difference in your fuel economy. According to the RAC, removing 45kg of excess weight can improve your fuel efficiency by up to 2%. This might not seem like a lot, but over time, the savings add up.
Additionally, keeping your car as light as possible also reduces wear and tear on your vehicle. Heavier loads can strain your brakes, suspension, and other components, leading to higher maintenance costs over time. Make it a habit to regularly clean out your car and only carry what you need for each journey. By keeping your vehicle free of unnecessary weight, you’ll not only save on fuel costs but also maintain your car in better condition, ensuring it serves you well for longer, which is particularly important when managing your finances carefully.
Open the Window
Having open windows is a cheaper way to cool down your car than having the air conditioning on. Air conditioning uses more power and can increase fuel consumption by up to 10% in cars with small engines. By allowing natural airflow through your car, you can stay comfortable without the added fuel cost.
However, it’s important to consider the context in which you open your windows. At higher speeds, open windows can create aerodynamic drag, which can counteract the fuel savings. Therefore, it’s best to open windows for cooling when driving at lower speeds around town. For highway driving, using the air conditioning might be more efficient in terms of fuel consumption. It’s crucial to run your air conditioning system at least once a week to keep it in working order. Regular use helps to prevent seals from drying out and minimises the build-up of mildew and bacteria. These can cause unpleasant odours and potential health issues. According to the AA, neglecting your air-con can lead to costly repairs down the line.
In summary, utilise open windows for cooling at lower speeds to save fuel. Remember to run your air conditioning periodically to maintain its efficiency and avoid mechanical issues. Balancing the use of both methods can help you stay comfortable and economical on the road.
Choose the Right Gear
Accelerate smoothly and gently up to a safe, appropriate (and legal) speed and select as high a gear as possible. Keep the revs down to minimise fuel use without labouring the engine. Between short fuel burns to maintain momentum, lift off the accelerator completely to shut off the fuel supply. Never coast in neutral; idling uses more fuel than running in gear on a closed throttle. If you’re not moving at all, switch off. By adopting these driving habits, you can significantly reduce fuel consumption. According to the Energy Saving Trust, keeping your car in the correct gear and driving smoothly can lead to notable fuel savings and less wear on your engine over time.
Approach Traffic Lights at a Slower Speed
Try to use your brakes only when they are really needed as they turn fuel into waste heat. Lift off the accelerator to reduce your speed and gently roll into the accurate position for your vehicle to come to a halt. This technique not only saves fuel but also reduces brake wear. Adopting a more anticipatory driving style helps in maintaining a constant speed. Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking, leading to improved fuel efficiency. For more detailed tips, check out this guide on Which?.
Review Your Current Car’s Fuel Consumption
Unless you plan to downsize to a smaller car, you may be able to run your current vehicle more efficiently or for as long as possible using these fuel-saving tips. Regularly monitoring your car’s fuel consumption can help you identify patterns and areas for improvement. Use tools and resources available to track and compare your vehicle’s fuel efficiency over time. Resources such as Parkers offer valuable insights and advice on how to maximise your car’s fuel economy.
Get Your Car Regularly Serviced and Maintain It
Check the vehicle’s manufacturing schedule to determine how often you should get your car serviced. Use the correct engine oil for your car’s make and model and regularly check the tyres’ pressure. Increase it if necessary, especially before any long journeys as under-inflated tyres consume more fuel. Regular maintenance ensures that your car runs efficiently and can prevent minor issues from becoming major, costly repairs. For comprehensive advice on car maintenance, visit Money Helper.
Don’t Use High-Performance Fuel (If You Don’t Need To)
Save money by not choosing high-performance fuel unless recommended for your vehicle type, usually sports cars. There is typically no performance difference for standard vehicles, and sticking to regular fuel can keep your costs down without affecting your car’s performance. High-performance fuels are often marketed with claims of better performance and efficiency, but for most everyday vehicles, the benefits are negligible. For a detailed analysis, refer to Which?.
Walk Rather Than Drive
Consider walking instead of driving for short journeys, such as going to the newsagents or other nearby places, as more fuel is used in a cold start. Not only will you save fuel, but you’ll also enjoy the health benefits of walking. Walking can be a simple yet effective way to reduce your fuel consumption and improve your overall well-being. For more information on the benefits of walking, visit the NHS.
Keep Your Speed Down
The faster you go, the greater the fuel consumption and pollution. Driving at 70mph uses up to 9% more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15% more than at 50mph. Cruising at 80mph can use up to 25% more fuel than at 70mph. Maintaining a moderate and consistent speed not only helps in saving fuel but also reduces stress on your engine. For more details on speed limits and their impact on fuel efficiency, refer to GOV.UK.
Don’t Idle
Idling the engine wastes fuel and increases the engine temperature. Only start the engine when you are ready to go. In icy weather, scrape the ice off before you start the engine. Avoiding unnecessary idling can save a significant amount of fuel over time. For practical tips on reducing idling, visit Auto Express.
Turn Off Electrical Items
Turn off any electrical items such as headlights, rear windscreen heaters, and demisters when you don’t need them. This will help decrease your vehicle’s fuel consumption. Electrical items can drain your car’s power and increase fuel consumption. For more tips on saving fuel, check out The Telegraph.
Look for Offers
Supermarkets often run petrol promotions. As their forecourts are usually cheaper for fuel, these schemes mean you can make decent savings, such as “spend £50 and get a 5p off/litre voucher.” Taking advantage of fuel promotions can lead to significant savings over time. Keep an eye out for deals and offers from major supermarkets. For more information on fuel discounts, visit Money Saving Expert.
For more helpful articles on car maintenance, visit our Guides section. Additionally, if you’re considering car finance, check out our resources on how we can assist you with flexible financing options, regardless of your credit history.
