Petrol Prices on the Rise: Money Saving Tips

With petrol prices always on the rise, how can you save some money on your petrol spend? Your driving habits are a primary factor in your fuel consumption so if you want to save money you should be looking to improve in this area. Need some help?

The rise of petrol prices have been one of the causes of frustrations around the country. Who would be happy when your single biggest weekly purchase is spent on car petrol, right?

What can you do to improve your cars fuel economy and save a little more money?

Here's our top fuel saving tips to amp your car’s fuel economy and keep a few money dollars in your pocket.

Petrol Saving Tip #1: Reduce your speed.

Try slowing down for a few days and see the difference it makes on your fuel. While you may have to accelerate a number of times on the road, your fuel economy decreases significantly every time you speed up.

Petrol Saving Tip #2: Check your tyre pressure.

When tyres are not inflated to the correct pressure, it affects your fuel economy. Under-inflated tyres require more rolling resistance, which means your car has to work harder to get it rolling. Give your tyres a monthly check up especially in the colder months. Driving your car warms up the tyres, which then increases the pressure giving a false higher reading.

Well maintained tires are essential for safe and economical driving. Check tyre pressures regularly (especially before a motorway journey). If tyres are inflated correctly, it can improve fuel consumption by up to 2%.

Petrol Saving Tip #3: Dress for the weather.

How does it affect your fuel? Air-conditioning and heating system use engine power thus increasing your fuel consumption. So unless it’s really necessary to turn on either on several occasions, try dressing for the weather instead. When the weather’s cooler, don't reach for the air conditioner dial. Simply wind down your windows to let the breeze come in and wear light clothes. You’ll save on your fuel and enjoy nature at the same time.

Petrol Saving Tip #4: Stay aerodynamic

Wind resistance increases fuel consumption. Try to keep windows closed at high speeds and remove roof racks and boxes when not in use. Removing a roof-top cargo box can save as much as 20% on fuel over a year.

Petrol Saving Tip #4: Be gentle with the accelerator, brakes and steering wheel.

Drive as smoothly as you can. Gently use your steering wheel, accelerator and brakes. For automatic vehicles, accelerate moderately so the transmission can shift up into the higher gears. If you’re driving a stick, shift early to keep your revs down and downshift if there’s a need to accelerate. Looking well ahead on the road can help you anticipate any potential slowdowns. Try to oversee what’s going to happen in front of you and keep your eye on the traffic lights as well.

Petrol Saving Tip #5:  Speed bumps

Braking hard, accelerating, then braking for the next speed bump is inefficient and uses extra fuel. Try to drive along at a steady 15-20mph instead.

Petrol Saving Tip #6: Lighten your car load.

The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it will use. For this reason alone, go through your car and toss out unnecessary items you may be lugging around. It’s not going to magically save you loads of money, but in the long run, a lighter vehicle load can improve your fuel economy.

Petrol Saving Tip #7: Downsize, Dieselise or Hybridise.

You might want to re-evaluate your options when buying  a new car. If a small car is at the bottom of your priority list, think again. Smaller cars are more cost-efficient on fuel, safer and have more room space than before. Hybrid cars are also gaining popularity like the Toyota’s compact Prius and Honda’s family sized Accord Hybrid. These are great cars to drive in town, don’t use fuel and help the environment. If you choose to dieselise, Chevrolet Cruze Diesel is a good choice to get great fuel economy on the open road.

Petrol Saving Tip #8: Drive a manual

Automatic cars use 10% to 15% more fuel than manuals. However, the gap is closing as modern, efficient semi-automatics become more popular. There’s also little difference between automatics and manuals on motorways. Work out how much fuel you use every week. Now try slowing down for a week and see what difference it makes.

Petrol Saving Tip #9: Keep your stock tires.

Upgrading your tires can definitely give your car a new, and perhaps better look but don’t get rid of the stock tires just yet. If your new tires are wider, they’ll require more rolling resistance which in turn can decrease your fuel economy. If you have long road trips in plan, it’s preferable to use the stock tires for better economy and smoother drive.

Petrol Saving Tip #10: Maintenance

Get your car serviced regularly to maintain engine efficiency and make sure you’re using the correct engine oil. Changing your car's oil at regular intervals isn't just a good idea -- it's a vital part of keeping your car's engine running properly. The purpose of engine oil is to keep the internal parts of your car's engine lubricated and cool. It keeps the moving parts from grinding against each other causing wear and damage.

Petrol Saving Tip #11: Sensible driving

Read the road ahead, anticipating the actions of other drivers and potential hazards. The less braking and acceleration, the less fuel used. For instance, drive smoothly in heavy traffic and avoid driving fast to catch up to the car in front, then having to brake.

Petrol Saving Tip #12: Drop the revs

Some motorists let the revs (revolutions per minute or RPM) run to 3,000 per minute (petrol car) and 2,500 (diesel) before changing up a gear. It’s more efficient to move up a gear at 2,500 (petrol) and 2,000 (diesel). Use high gears, such as fifth and sixth gears, sooner than later.

Good driving habits, proper vehicle maintenance and fuel consciousness can make a big impact on your fuel economy. Petrol prices are ever-fluctuating. Now is the time to arm yourself with these fuel-saving tips and keep your money where it belongs, in your pocket.

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