With the price of oil rising above $100 and more increases predicted in the coming year, it is worth considering how we can save money from driving and buying petrol.
Do I need the Car?
50% of journeys take less than 1-2 miles. Rather than get the car out, why not cycle or walk. Often for city centre journeys it is just as quick. On short journeys car engines are at their most inefficient and use a corresponding higher % of petrol. Reducing these short trips can save alot of money, you may even get fit as an added bonus.
Car Sharing
Many cities are offering incentives for people who share cars. For example, car sharing lanes. The reason is that it makes sense from both a congestion and economical point of view. For journeys that you make consider how you can share the journey and petrol costs with other people.
Drive Economically.
on long distance driving there are various tips which can be used to save petrol. These include:
- Putting engine into neutral on long down hills
- Driving at 60-70mph. To exceed the speed limit and drive at 80-90mph causes a higher % of petrol to be consumed. Engines are at there most efficient when cruising at about 65mph.
- Drive behind trucks. Another advantage of driving at 65mph in the slow lane of a motorway is that you will save petrol consumption because you benefit from the draft created by trucks. The slipstream can save up to 17% of your energy consumption
- Avoid accelerating. Slowing down and speeding up use more energy that driving at a constant speed.
- Turn off engine when stopped for other a minute. Don’t keep the engine running if you are stuck in a very long traffic jam.
- Make car Aerodynamic. If you are going on long car journeys don’t keep a roof rack on, if you are not using it. Similarly don’t carry excess weight that you don’t need as this also uses more fuel, especially on uphills.
Know the Cheapest Petrol / Gas Station.
The price of petrol can easily vary by upto 10% depending on where you buy it. Plan ahead so that you avoid buying it from places which charge a more expensive price.
Choose a Small Engine Car.
When choosing a new car, give a high priority to fuel consumption rates. The rate of fuel consumption can dramatically vary depending on engine size and type of car.
Don’t Lose any petrol.
After finishing filling up your tank, make sure you don’t lose any petrol, the petrol hoze can still drip a few expensive drops, give it a good shake and get everything that you have paid for.
Right Tyre Pressure.
Make sure your tyres are inflated to the optimum air pressure. If they are the right pressure they can save fuel.
More tips to save money and the environmentÂ
Just a couple of things – the left hand lane of the motorway is not technically the “slow lane”. You shoulkd be in the left lane whatever your speed unless you’re overtaking or intending to overtake.
Coasting is not considered “safe” – interestingly i experimented with my own car which shows instantaneous fuel consumption figures – it shows better figures when in gear and not accelerating than when coasting!