Let’s face it, life behind the wheel doesn’t come cheap … unless you read this blog. Yes, we’re ‘braking’ down our top tips to save petrol (and money) when you’re on the roads.
Many of us spend a lot of time behind the wheel every day. Getting the little ones to school, picking up dinner, heading to that meeting… the list goes on. But with petrol prices seemingly constantly going up, you have probably realised just how expensive driving can be.
But there’s no need to lose hope or roll your car in neutral to save a little gas because we’ve got a winning strategy for you. So, buckle up and get ready to successfully save money from the second you pull out of your driveway!
Our top tips to save petrol
-
Switch to economical tyres
Okay, no one likes the idea of spending money in order to save money but it’s the best way to do it. Opting for durable, premium, long-lasting, energy-saving tyres will help improve your fuel economy and save you thousands.
-
Check out your tyre pressure
Since we’re on the topic of wheels, make sure to check your tyre pressure. Research shows that tyres that are underinflated will use 6% more fuel. You can also get your tyre pressure checked at your nearest petrol station free of charge, so there really is no excuse for underinflated tyres.
We’ve also written a blog on At-Home Simple Tyre Safety Inspections so that you can check out your tyres from home too.
-
Go easy on the gas
It’s getting cooler which means you might be revving your car to keep it warm or racing to get to work on time after pressing the snooze button one too many times. But the issue is that applying all of this pressure on the accelerator wastes gas… and a lot of it too.
So, take it easy on the gas and be amazed at how much you save petrol and money.
-
Brush up on your advanced driving skills
There is always room to tweak your driving style and we think this is an opportune time to do just that. Even if it’s a quick online YouTube tutorial, advanced driving techniques will ensure that you perfect the art of hypermiling (that’s the art of driving economically if you weren’t sure).
-
Stay on flat ground
We’ve all been there before where we drive up onto a curb and turn the sidewalk into a makeshift parking space or look to get past someone on the road and ease up onto the embankment. The issue here is that moves like that are going to cost you. Not only will you damage your wheels but it also uses quite a bit of fuel to get you up there.
So, stay on flat ground. It’s a lot easier, safer and cheaper.
-
Do away with the extra weight
And no, we are not talking about any extra kilograms you might have put on. We mean all of the unnecessary junk that you’ve thrown in your boot and that roof rack attached to the car that you hardly ever use.
Your crammed boot and roof rack add extra weight to your vehicle, which means your car has to work harder and use more fuel. So, get the kids to help clear out the boot and remove the roof bars if you aren’t using them and see your fuel consumption decrease substantially.
-
Get calculating
Quick question: do you know how many kilometres per litre your car does on everyday driving expeditions? If not, now’s your time to learn.
Understanding how your vehicle performs will help you manage your driving habits better and ultimately save petrol and money.
-
Do some petrol price shopping
No one is blaming you for filling up at your nearest petrol station. It’s easy and convenient, but you could be saving money by doing a little more research.
Next time you’re on your daily commute, keep an eye out for the fuel prices at different stations and make sure to fill up at the most affordable option.
-
Plan ahead
We suggest planning your daily route the night before with the help of a navigation app. Not only will it help you choose the quickest and most economical route, but it can also warn you about potential traffic that could increase your fuel consumption.
-
Don’t brake so hard
We know that you have to brake, but we’re suggesting that you do it gently. Avoid slamming your foot on the brake unless it’s an emergency.
Instead, ease up on the acceleration, let the car roll and then brake smoothly. This will save petrol because your car does not have to exert extra fuel abruptly stopping and starting again.
-
Go for a service
If you need a little sign that it is finally time to stop ignoring that service light in your car and take it in, here it is.
You need to regularly maintain your car so that it operates in perfect condition and uses fuel more efficiently.
Tap the link to learn how often you should get your car serviced.
-
Use nature’s heater: the sun
It’s getting colder which means one of the first things we do after getting into our cars is switching on the heater. And we don’t blame you, no one wants to sit in a cold car.
But heaters use a lot of fuel. So, keep it on for the initial part of your drive while the car warms up, then switch it off and let the sunlight help keep you warm.
-
Avoid driving on an empty tank
How many times have you tested how far you can drive with your petrol gauge on red? Probably more than you’re willing to admit.
Driving with little to no petrol can damage your car’s fuel pump because it has to work harder to access the remaining fuel. So rather fill up when you can.
-
Don’t keep the car running
We all do this. Whether that’s running back into the house to grab your coffee for the road or keeping the car running for warmth, leaving the engine on wastes fuel.
Avoid keeping the engine running if you’re not actually in the car driving and save petrol.
-
Get comprehensive car insurance
Nothing will save you money while driving like comprehensive car insurance. And we aren’t just saying that because we are insurers. We see just how much car damage can cost the average person.
Our comprehensive car insurance offers:
- Accident cover
- Third-party liability
- Theft cover
Congratulations. You made it through our comprehensive list which means you are already well on your way to save petrol and money on the roads. What’s better is that all you need to do is tap here to fully commit to economical, safe driving.
Yours in comprehensive car insurance,
The Oneplan Team
