Despite its convenience, driving a car comes with many costs, including insurance premiums, servicing fees, and gasoline. The way you drive your car can also impact the amount of money you spend on it, especially in terms of your refueling costs. Read on to find out about five fuel savings tips that’ll will keep you on the road without breaking the bank.
Reduce Unneeded Weight
It makes intuitive sense that the heavier your car is, the harder the engine has to work, meaning increased fuel consumption and a gas tank that empties quicker. Unless you absolutely need to carry heavy items around in the trunk, you’d be better off removing them to save money on fuel costs in the long-term.
Observe the Speed Limit
Sticking to the speed limit, apart from being the safe thing to do, can save you money on fuel. You might think that driving above the limit could reduce fuel costs by shaving time off your journey, but optimal fuel economy declines sharply at speeds above 50 mph. Even though you might get to your destination earlier by driving above the speed limit, you’ll pay for it with a quicker refuel than if you observed the lawful speed.
Check for Underinflated Tires
One of the main effects of having underinflated tires is that your car has to work harder to move. The end result of low tire pressure is that fuel burns more quickly, leading to more frequent refills and less money in your pocket. Check your car’s tire pressure with a reliable gauge every fortnight and compare this figure to the specified safe tire pressure in your owner’s manual.
Use Cruise Control
One of the main perks of cruise control is that it helps you maintain a constant speed on the highway as opposed to the expected fluctuations that inevitably occur when you remain in full control of the gas pedal. Use your cruise control system if you have one, and you can expect better fuel efficiency in the long-run, meaning more money in your pocket.
Avoid Rush Hour Traffic
The constant stopping and starting involved in driving during rush hour traffic wastes a lot of fuel, making it a very expensive time to use your car. If you can avoid driving at during the most hectic hours of the day, you’ll save a lot of money.