Petrol Prices Are Rising - Here Are 8 Strategies to Save Money at the Pump

Petrol Prices Are Rising - Here Are 8 Strategies to Save Money at the Pump

The price of petrol is notoriously and constantly changing, with a litre fluctuating by as much as 5p in a month. For motorists, the ever-changing cost is a persistent cause of frustration.

Fuel has increased because the wholesale price for crude oil used in manufacturing petrol and diesel has increased. And because crude oil is traded in dollars, the exchange rate between the dollar and the pound has an impact on petrol prices.

Worth noting that although demand for energy - and its price - have soared at the outset of the Covid-19 Pandemic, UK customers were already paying more for petrol. Suppliers haven’t always been able to meet increased demand as economic confidence has returned in fits and turns, and in return, the price of crude oil and items produced from it has risen.

In this guide we’ve put together our top tips to improve your car’s efficiency, otherwise known as ‘eco-driving’ and cut your petrol costs.

1. Fill Up Your Tank at the Supermarket’s Station

Filling up at the supermarket will save you money on fuel because a litre of petrol costs a few pennies less at supermarkets than at other fuel service stations. Petrol is also often less expensive in cities than it is in rural areas. However, supermarkets, especially in rural areas, are frequently cheaper than oil-company-owned petrol stations in cities.

2. Remove Excess Weight from Your Car

Many folks have salt and sand items in their trunks. It’s an old-fashioned manner of dealing with impending snowstorms or icy conditions.

However, based on the percentage of extra weight related to the vehicle’s weight, eliminating an extra 100 pounds held in your vehicle will improve your miles per gallon by around 1%.

3. Make Sure You Maintain Your Vehicle

Regular maintenance and servicing increase your vehicle’s efficiency, which can lower your fuel use.

It’s especially vital to make sure your tyres are properly filled, as both underinflated and overinflated tyres have a negative impact on fuel economy. Tyre pressures vary based on the load you’re carrying: if you’re transporting four passengers plus luggage, you’ll need to pump your tyres to the maximum recommended pressures.

A poorly inflated tyre is also more prone to wear prematurely or unevenly, necessitating more frequent replacement.

4. Use Less Air Conditioning

Use the air conditioner as little as possible; it can increase fuel consumption by 20% most times of the year especially if you live in a cold location like most of the United Kingdom. Conversely, having your windows and sunroof open on the road during summer increases fuel consumption, so it’s better to turn on the air conditioner, moderately.

5. Avoid Excessive Speed When Driving

Excessive speed is the most fuel-consuming component, thus keeping a light right foot and ensuring moderate acceleration is essential for fuel-efficient driving.

Of course, you’ll have to accelerate a few times during your route, but that doesn’t mean you have to pull away like you’re at a BMX race starting line!

The most important factor in attaining high mpg is to drive in the highest gear possible for your car while staying inside the speed limit. Keep in mind that the faster an engine turns, the more fuel it consumes. In addition to quick acceleration, braking suddenly often also wastes fuel, too. This is why coasting to a red light or down a hill is recommended.

6. Consider an Electric or Hybrid Vehicle

A modest petro-powered car costs nearly four times as much to go 100 kilometres as an equal electric vehicle. An electric car’s sticker price may be greater, but don’t get too caught up in that! When government subsidies, energy efficiency, and cheaper maintenance costs are factored in, purchasing an electric vehicle usually pays for itself within a few years.

If you’re not yet ready to go electric, you could always consider a petrol-hybrid.

7. Combine Your Journeys and Don’t Split

Instead of making multiple short trips, consider making one round trip. Even if the total mileage may be the same, once the engine is warm, it will perform at its most efficient, whereas many cold starts would increase fuel usage.

8. Consider Other Methods of Transportation

Walking and biking do not burn fuel, but they do burn calories. Buses and subways can be really efficient, and you won’t have to worry about driving. Carpooling and working remotely might also help you save money on petro. But you don’t have to make drastic changes right away. Why not start by learning about your options? Alternatively, try something different once or twice a week and see what works for you!

Share on:

Comments

comments powered by Disqus