With petrol prices always on the rise, getting from A to B is on longer as easy as ABC, as more and more of our monthly income disappears into the seemingly bottomless, constantly greedy, and endlessly guzzling fuel tanks of our cars. For most of us four wheels is a necessity, so the question remains “How do I keep my car on the road and reduce the running costs?”
Reduce Driving Cost
Drive Like a Pro
You may have passed your test but do know the best way to drive reduce fuel consumption? It’s simple, cruising at a steady pace with smooth starts and stops entails less aerodynamic drag, which translates into you cutting your average fuel costs as much as 10%. We’re not talking Sunday driving seven days a week, but you don’t have to always live life in the fast lane either.
Keep Your Engine Running?
Don’t leave your engine running if the car is stationary for more than a few minutes because your money is quite literally going up in smoke. People will argue it takes more fuel to get your engine started again than to leave the engine running for a brief time, but after a few minutes you are not only burning a hole in your wallet you’re also putting one in the ozone layer.
Put a Cap on it
147 million gallons of gas evaporates into thin air each year because of loose, missing, or damaged petrol caps, so make sure your cap is secure, because if not, petrol will always evaporate if it has an escape.
Stay Tanked Up
When you’ve only a little petrol in the tank, your engine is a lot less efficient, so keep a steady supply to hand because the benefits will far outweigh the added weight you’re carting around.
Air conditioning may be nice, but it can add 10% to 20% on your overall fuel intake. So roll down the windows and feel the breeze because the best things in life are free. But always remember air conditioning is a better option when speeding along the motorway because compared with the drag and airflow of open windows it’s a real money saver.
Give Extra Luggage the Boot
If you’re one of those drivers who cart around a boot full of junk everywhere they drive, don’t! Keep your boot space light and your wallet will get heavier.
Keep Your Engine Tuned and Your Tyres Pumped
The lack of adequate tyre pressure is a common cause of extra running costs because your car finds it that much harder to stay mobile, likewise an engine which is not firing on all cylinders is going to cost you, so make sure yours has plenty of tune-ups.
The Right Car
If all else fails buying an economical car which is high on mileage and low on petrol is a sure bet reduce running costs. There are a number of dealerships in the UK that are worth a visit a good example is Evans Halshaw if you’re looking for a new or used car. If you need inspiration check out Vauxhall cars they have received a lot of praise for their Ampera and Corsa models, but the Toyota Yaris Hybrid, Smart Fortwo cdi, Peugeot 208, Citroen C3, Seat Ibiza, Renault Megane, Fiat 500, Chevrolet Aveo and Renault Clio are all fuel efficient
