Save Money with These Fuel Saving Tips

So, it's best to be prepared for that happening and if you're looking to save money on your fuel costs, there are a few things you can do.

They include using a fuel additive, checking your tyre pressure and using the air conditioning sparingly.

Here, the Mega Lease team look at how you can save money on your vehicle's fuel bill.

Use a fuel additive

Fuel additives can help to improve your fuel economy by up to 5%. Deposits from the combustion process can accumulate in vehicles as they age and are used. When these deposits reach critical levels, they can cause issues with engine performance and emissions.

Fill up at a supermarket

Filling up at a supermarket will help you save money on fuel since it is usually a few pence less than elsewhere. In rural areas, petrol is typically cheaper than in towns and cities. Supermarkets, even if they are in the countryside, are frequently still less expensive than oil company-owned petrol stations in urban areas.

Save money by using normal unleaded

By avoiding premium unleaded, or 'super', you can save 10 to 15p per litre. This is because there is no benefit in using premium unless you have a high-performance car that requires a higher-octane rating than standard unleaded. Most drivers don't require this kind of fuel, so choosing the cheaper option will save you some extra cash.

Changing gears

Every car is different, but there will be a sweet spot in the middle between choosing a higher gear sooner and not overworking the engine. Red lining the engine will not improve your performance. Try changing up a gear 2,000rpm earlier than usual to see whether the engine can handle it. Many new vehicles now come with a gear-shift indicator that informs you of the most economical point to change gears, as well as an "eco" driving mode.

Empty the boot

It's simple physics: the more weight your car must lug around, the less efficiently it will run. So, if you want to save on fuel, make sure you remove any unnecessary items from your boot and exterior before hitting the open road. That includes bike racks and roof rails.

Check your tyre pressure

Ensuring that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure can also improve fuel economy. Under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.

Changing the air filter

The frequency of replacement for this part will depend on how often the car is driven, and in what kinds of environments. A new air filter performs better and improves performance.

Use the air conditioning sparingly

Air conditioning can use a lot of fuel, so only use it when necessary. When driving at lower speeds, open the windows to let the breeze in instead.

Slow down!

Did you know that for every 5 mph you drive over 50 mph, you're effectively paying more for fuel. So, next time you're tempted to put your foot down, remember this - it'll help your bank balance as well as the environment.

Avoid making short journeys

Short journeys use more fuel per mile than longer journeys. That's because the engine never reaches its optimal operating temperature, so it's essentially working harder for less return. So, where possible, try to group together your errands into one longer trip. Or walk.

Drive fewer miles

One of the simplest ways to save money on fuel is to drive less. If you can carpool, ride a bike or take public transport for some of your errands or commute, you'll save money on fuel.

Keep to the speed limit

Aggressive driving not only wastes fuel, but it can also be dangerous. Save fuel and stay safe by following the posted speed limit.

Planning ahead

By planning your route before you set off on a journey, you can avoid making unnecessary detours and wasting fuel. You can also avoid getting stuck in traffic which can use up a lot of fuel. Many Sat Navs have a fuel-efficient route option which can help you to save money.

Turn off your engine

If you're going to be stopped for more than a minute, it's best to turn off your engine. An idling engine uses more fuel than one that's turned off. So, if you're waiting to pick someone up from school or for a train, turn off your engine and save some money.

Drive smoothly

Accelerating and braking harshly can decrease your fuel economy by up to 33%. Remember that every time you brake, you're wasting the energy that you've just put into accelerating. So, it's best to drive smoothly and anticipate traffic lights or stop signs so that you can coast up to them instead of braking harshly.

Use cruise control

If you're driving on the motorway, using cruise control can help you to maintain a constant speed and save fuel. That's because when you're constantly accelerating and decelerating, you use more fuel.

Keep your car well-maintained

A well-maintained car will run more efficiently and use less fuel. That's because all the parts are working as they should be. So, make sure you keep on top of your car's servicing schedule and any repairs that need to be made.

Save Money with These Fuel Saving Tips 

Fuel saving tips are essential for anyone looking to cut down on their transport costs. By following the tips above, you can save money on your fuel bill without compromising on your driving experience. So, next time you're looking to save money, be sure to keep these fuel saving tips in mind.