Want to Save Pounds at the Pumps?
We’re all feeling the pinch when it comes to the price of petrol, if you drive a car that drinks petrol like a Granny drinks Sherry, you’ll be feeling it more than most!
Another trip to the petrol station...my wallet lives in fear!
We’re all aware of the Green issues and eco-friendly campaigns in the news, telling us to be kinder to the planet – well, you know what, if saving me a pretty penny and helping the planet go hand in hand, why not!
I’m not adverse to any tips that may help me in my war against the dreaded petrol beast, so I’ve scoured the land for advice and tips on how to save pounds at the pumps!
So here are my easy and effective tips to save you some cash at the pumps, you may have heard of them, but have you tried them?
First things first…
Think Daddy Cool, Drive Smooth!
Avoid heavy breaking and go easy on the throttle and you’re sure to save pounds at the pump, as well as saving your car from an early wear and tear related grave!
If you’re stuck in traffic, try to roll along slowly, rather than accelerating and braking heavily to move a precious inch forward, it’s going to save you a fortune.
Car fuel efficiency can be affected up to 30%, just by driving technique, so less boy racer and more Sunday driver to save those pennies!
Gears Matter!
This little fact should give you a hint, a car travelling at 30 odd miles an hour in 3rd gear uses 25% more fuel than the fella driving next to him doing the same speed in 5th gear.
Want to save some cash? Get yourself in the highest gear you can without labouring your engine while driving and you’re onto a winner!
Weight Matters!
If your car resembles a dumping ground, clear it out! Any extra weight in the car, including big bummed Bertha is going to affect fuel consumption negatively, thus costing you more at the petrol station.
If you’re planning a trip away, only take what you need, if your car is full of junk or you’ve ended up packing the kitchen sink in with everything else, have a clear out, you never know you could have 20 odd pounds of tat in the back slowing you down and costing you a fortune at the pumps!
Lighten your load, and the lower your petrol bill! And emissions too! Fuel efficiency saves you money!
Air Filters Matter!
Dirty intake filters play a part in most fuel efficiency crimes! A dirty filter decreases the amount of air able to enter the engine cylinders, this results in incomplete combustion!
As the filter gets dirtier you’re going to have a drop in fuel efficiency, so it really will pay to check the filter is lovely and clean regularly!
Spark Plugs Matter!
Want to be firing on all cylinders properly? Like the idea of higher efficiency? Then make sure your spark plugs are in good condition! Your car Owner’s Manual, or failing that the internet will tell you how often to renew and replace the plugs and wires!
Tyres Matter!
I’m not saying you should go out and buy some fancy new tyres, just make sure the ones you’ve got are pumped up enough!
Under inflated tyres increases wear and wastes fuel! Best to check your tyre pressure every two weeks or so, keep an eye out of wear as worn out tyres lower fuel efficiency too!
Remember, UK legal tyre tread wear minimum is 1.6mm!
Windows Matter!
As nice a little breeze is, driving with the windows down at speed reduces your fuel efficiency massively! We’re coming up to winter now so that should make it easier to adhere to!
Although, then you have air-conditioning that effects fuel efficiency, so at lower speeds open the windows and leave the air-con off. At faster speeds roll up the windows and stick on the air-con!
Use your car less!?
The easiest and quickest way to save cash at the pumps is to ditch the car for short walk-able trips! If it’s just as easy to bike, train, bus or walk it, go for it! It’s keeping you healthy and saving you money, two birds, one stone!
But, we all know if it’s raining cats and dogs, or cold enough to freeze certain parts off a brass monkey… the car wins hands down!
