Tips to save money on fuel
(23/09/2008)

With the credit crunch biting, British drivers are using a new range of tricks to save money on high fuel prices according to BuyYourCar.co.uk. The company questioned customers on how they are coping with rising fuel prices, with the findings revealing that drivers are now using a range of techniques to help them cut the cost of filling up.

Top 10 Tips to save money on fuel:

1) Know where you’re going – It may sound simple, but a growing number of drivers are planning their routes more carefully before setting off – preventing them from getting lost and using up valuable fuel. It also makes sense to avoid the busiest routes. Not only will they take longer, but constantly having to brake and accelerate is a very uneconomical way of driving.

2) Go Slow – Reducing speed will save a significant amount of petrol, and with the credit crunch British drivers are increasingly choosing to slow down. By reducing speed from 70mph to 50mph drivers could be using up to 30% less fuel.

3) Make your own fuel – Of potential concern is the feedback from drivers who said they were now trying to make their own fuel from cooking oil. The government allows people to produce 2,500 litres of biofuel a year, tax free, but with reports of a Northamptonshire man blowing up his garage in the process there are safety issues to consider.

4) Money off supermarket offers (eg spend £50 and get 5p per litre off fuel) – Drivers are getting smarter when it comes to these offers, and are shopping to the minimum requirement to get the fuel discount offer.

5) Tight-Wad’s Fifth Gear – Not recommended when it comes to driving safety, but putting the car in neutral on down hill stretches is proving increasingly popular with fuel conscious drivers.

6) Pressure Point - make sure tyres are inflated to the manufacturers recommended levels – tyres lacking pressure will cause higher fuel usage. However, don’t over inflate tyres as grip on the road will be lost.

7) Take off the roof rack – the summer’s over, and doesn’t look like it’s coming back, so savvy drivers are removing their roof racks to keep fuel usage down.

8) Keep Fuel Topped Up – A growing number of drivers are monitoring the price of fuel as they drive, and topping up whenever they see a low price point.

9) Remove excess weight – from golf clubs to bikes and work equipment – British drivers are starting to remove anything from the car that adds weight.

10) Close the windows and turn the air-con off – Prevent drag by closing windows, and turn the air-con off now autumn is here. Although this summer hasn’t been the best for sun worshippers, not having to keep the air-con on has saved UK drivers money.

Daniel Phillips, marketing manager at BuyYourCar.co.uk, says: “Fuel prices together with rising food, energy and mortgage costs mean that many people are having to budget very carefully. As a result, drivers are starting to look at more innovative ways to save money on fuel. The issue is that while some are OK, others can potentially impact on safety, but with fuel costs remaining high we expect to see a growing number of people looking to save where they can.”