Cost reduction is becoming increasingly important to today’s motoring community. With ever-escalating fuel prices forever pushing the limits of affordability, it’s reassuring to know that some simple yet cost-effective steps can be taken to offset your daily driving expenses. Somewhat surprisingly, these simple steps can directly benefit anyone out there on the road right now, so both you and your family could start saving money today, regardless of the make and model of your car.
Currently, in the eyes of many motorists, the new generation of electric-powered ‘green’ cars and their economical brilliance are sadly rendered redundant by the UKs burgeoning infrastructure. But, whether you’ve a penchant for driving down idyllic country lanes in a sporty small car or forever find yourself flitting from A to B in a fuel-hungry, five-door family car, there’s usually a way to be more fuel efficient. Here are three simple steps to minimising your family’s everyday motoring costs.
Car care
The amount of fuel that’s wasted by poorly maintained motors is eye-opening. Currently, potential savings run somewhere between 10% and an incredible 33%. You can start saving money by conducting regular checks of your tyres and their pressure levels and by keeping your oil topped up too. Ensuring that your air filters are fit for the job will also get your engine performing far more economically. This is especially true of a finely tuned motor.
Driving style
Like resisting any needless engine revs, soft acceleration and smooth braking will further reduce fuel consumption. Shifting up gears as soon as is safely possible can also save fuel, but speed is vital in driving down car costs. You can easily achieve 30% more fuel efficiency by avoiding the 70mph speed limit and doing 50mph when possible on the motorway. Also avoid opening your windows to bypass any drag effect. Finally, avoid using your costly air conditioning unit if you’re able to.
Planning
Planning for a journey holds massive fuel-saving potential. Removing a roof box will improve aerodynamics and avoid needless fuel consumption. You can avoid the inherent engine wear of warming your car’s cold engine by walking shorter distances, but for longer journeys, get the de-icer out first. En route, do all you can to avoid stopping; keep a close eye on traffic lights, road works, other motorists and anything else that could bring you to a complete and costly standstill.
By following these guidelines, you and your family could each reduce fuel costs by as much as 10%. That’s quite the individual saving but collectively, for a family of four motorists, those savings could see your household enjoying a far more affordable festive season. If you’re spending £100 a week on fuel, then you’ll each have around £10 spare every week. How will you spend your spare cash? From charity donations to chocolate delights and anything in-between, the choice is all yours!
