Cut Car Fuel Costs - Part 1

Note: These days it has become increasingly important to cut car fuel costs. Due to rising costs and environmental concerns, saving fuel is high up on most people's adgenda. Here's how to save money on running your car.

If you want to cut car fuel costs, there are a number of things that can be done.

Have your car serviced regularly

A well tuned engine will make your car up to 5% more fuel efficient. Setting the air/fuel mixture ratio correctly can save up to 15% in fuel consumption. Make sure that you drive your car gently for the first mile or so each time you start it from ‘cold’. A better lubricated engine will improve fuel economy.

Plan Your Journeys

When you’re out in the car do all the things that you have to at the same time in order to limit the number of short journeys that you make. If you’re passing a shop that you need to visit, avoid having to make a specific trip to that place later. Fuel consumption goes through the roof on journeys that are less than a couple of miles, especially when it is cold. In some cases fuel consumption can double!

Share a car

Give each other lifts to work or to the shops. Two work colleagues who have to travel a distance to work each day could cut their commuting costs in half by driving on alternate days or weeks. In an average sized car you could save over $500 on fuel each year if your place of work is 20 miles away.

Don’t carry unnecessary weight around in your car

This is particularly true if you do a lot of town driving, as it can greatly reduce fuel consumption. Turf out all the junk (no, not the mother-in-law!). Empty your boot and only carry your golf clubs if you’re going golfing. An extra 100 lbs of weight will use 2% more fuel.

And unless you need to use a roof rack don’t drive around with one permanently fitted to your car. When you’re using it, pack the load as low as possible and aim to make it aerodynamic. Wrapping the load in a plastic sheet can help to reduce the amount of drag that it causes, saving up to 2%.

Check Your Tyre Pressure

You’ll use less fuel if you put extra pressure in your tyres to compensate for the extra weight of passengers or luggage. But remember to stay within the safe pressure limits that are stated in the manufacturer’s handbook.

Remember that air conditioning uses extra fuel

The greater the difference in temperature between the outside and the temperature that you’re trying to maintain on the inside, the more fuel you’ll use. Reduce the need to use the air-con as often by parking in the shade if possible.

Avoid Peak Road Use Periods

If possible, avoid travelling at times when the traffic is at its peak. Tailbacks during ‘rush hour’ can be very expensive, not to mention stressful! Over one year, an hour spent in traffic each weekday will waste around $200 in fuel, rising to $500 for a medium sized vehicle. Do you have an element of flexibility in your job that would allow you to avoid the busiest times?

Reduce Car Fuel Costs - Part 2

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