|
Fuel
Saving Tips
Motoring
can be an expensive business; what with having to buy a car, service
it regularly, purchasing motor insurance and road tax as well as
paying for fuel to keep it going. While many of these costs are
fixed and there is little you can do to alter them, there are ways
in which you can reduce your petrol bills. Fuel consumption is the
term given to the rate at which a car uses up petrol and this can
vary hugely between the different vehicle makes. If you are in a
position to purchase a new car then you should consider fuel
consumption as an important element in your decision. If you already
have a car then there are some simple steps you can take to improve
the rate it goes through petrol.
Looking
after you car and keeping it in good working order is important to
maintain good levels of fuel consumption. Regular servicing by a
garage will help to achieve this along with making sure that you
follow any manufacturer’s guidelines written in the vehicles
handbook. Before you start to drive you should carry out a few
checks to make sure your vehicle is in tiptop condition. Check your
tyres before setting off, as under-inflated tyres can result in
rolling resistance, which means your car has to work harder to
travel the same distance. Your car’s manufacturer provides the
correct inflation measurements for your tyres dependant on your
car’s load and the types of roads you are driving on.
Remove
any unnecessary items from your car as the extra weight will also
increase your fuel consumption. The same principles apply to roof
racks and boxes which make your car less streamlined and produce
more drag when driving along. Take some time before you leave to
plan your journey so that you are confident of your route. If you
need to make detours or go in the wrong direction then you will
automatically be using more fuel than if the journey had gone as
planned. Planning ahead is also useful if you have a number of
smaller journeys that you need to make. If you are able to combine
the different trips into one you are more likely to have to travel a
shorter distance then doing them all individually.
When
you are on the roads drive smoothly and accelerate gently to avoid
any unnecessary braking. Harsh braking and stop / start driving will
use more fuel then driving at a fairly consistent speed. If you are
driving a manual car than you should move through the gears as soon
as possible without labouring the engine, as driving at higher gears
is better for your fuel economy. Sticking to the speed limits will
also help you achieve better fuel economy as the faster you drive
the more fuel you will use. Saving money on petrol is not difficult
to do and by following these simple steps you should be able to
reduce your fuel consumption and spend less money at the pumps.
To
keep your vehicle safe on the road, get good insurance cover. Click
here for more information.
Photo: Overloaded Car 3.bp.blogspot
|
