With the ongoing fuel crisis making it more expensive to fill our cars with either petrol or diesel, we've compiled a list of the best tips to help you save money.
Why Is There a Fuel Shortage?
To put it simply, various factors are contributing to the fuel shortage, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine and climate protests worldwide blocking fuel depots. Undoubtedly, drivers are facing challenging times with the rise in fuel. Still, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has told customers to continue buying fuel as usual.
Tips on How To Save Money on Fuel
Hopefully, our tips will help your money go further and cut your fuel bills each month.
1. Avoid Premium Unleaded or Premium Diesel
You can save fuel costs by filling up your vehicle at the supermarket. Supermarket forecourts are generally cheaper than stations outside towns or cities, such as BP or Shell. It's also worth remembering not to go for oil company-owned petrol stations.
2. Stick To The Speed Limit
Efficient and safe driving is an easy way to conserve fuel. Accelerating smoothly and avoiding using the throttle unnecessarily can work wonders. You don't need to work the engine more so than it needs to. In fact, the Energy Saving Trust has stated that the most efficient speed you can travel to achieve the best fuel economy is between 55 miles per hour and 65 miles per hour. If you go above 65mph, the fuel efficiency rapidly decreases. So bear this in mind, especially when travelling on motorways or dual carriageways.
This tip applies to both petrol, diesel and electric cars.
3. Get Rid Of Unnecessary Equipment
Getting rid of unnecessary equipment that could be potentially weighing your car down is better for the engine. If your vehicle carries extra weight, the engine must work harder and increase fuel consumption. Remove weight such as roof racks, additional bodywork, and so on whenever possible.
4. Turn Off The Heating or Air Conditioning
Car heating and air conditioning use fuel. According to Kwik Fit, because the compressor requires energy to run your air conditioning system, it could increase your fuel usage by up to 10%, which is especially noticeable on short journeys.
5. Avoid Filling The Tank Up Completely
When putting fuel in, avoid filling it up completely. This is because the extra weight, just like the additional equipment like roof racks and bikes, makes the engine work harder. Although fuel is a tiny percentage of the vehicle's overall weight, filling up when you need it can still help improve fuel economy.
6. Regularly Check Your Tyre Pressure
Underinflated tyres can significantly impact fuel economy by up to 2.5%. You can find the correct pressure for your tyres online or in your vehicle's handbook. Underinflated tyres can develop more rolling resistance, which means it works your engine harder because there isn't enough air in them.
Check your tyres on an ongoing basis, especially before long journeys.
Feel free to share your own driving tips to save money and fuel on the road!
Infographic designed by Click 4 Reg.
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