Petrol prices keep going up, and up, and up … and the value of our money just keeps plummeting. Fortunately, there are many ways in which you can spend less money on petrol and reduce your overall fuel consumption.
Here are 10 useful tips from wikiHow on how to save money on petrol.
- Change your spark plugs often. Spark plugs are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. If you’re not that handy or mechanically inclined, read some auto repair books or befriend a mechanic who can help you maintain your vehicle.
- Fill up efficiently. It’s considered the most fuel efficient if you fill up your car when it’s either a quarter or a half full.
- Keep your tyres pumped. Keeping tires at the correct air pressure can go a long way towards saving more money on the cost of petrol.
- Avoid idling. Idling for six seconds uses the same amount of petrol as starting your car.
- Plan trips in advance. Try to schedule your trips and errands at the same time and when traffic is lighter.
- Drive at a consistent speed. Avoid quick acceleration and hard braking. Cruise control will keep you at a constant. It is, however, far more efficient to turn off your cruise control on hilly roads and maintain the flexibility of normal driving.
- Avoid stops. Look ahead and try to slow down when approaching a red traffic light. Speeding up again from 10 kph will be easier on fuel than starting from a full stop. If you have to stop, take off again slowly.
- Maintain a safe following distance. You will brake more and accelerate more to keep that unnecessary and dangerous narrow gap. This also gives you more room to play with when you are timing traffic signals.
- Use air-con only when driving on major roads. At lower speeds, open the windows or turn on the vents.
- Park in the shade. Petrol actually evaporates faster when you park directly in the sun – winter or summer. Parking in the shade also keeps it cooler inside, and you will need less air-con.
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