Tips for saving on fuel in an instant

Tips for saving on fuel in an instant

With the winter weather just around the corner and people spending money on staying warm, not to mention the cash that will need to be splashed on buying presents for loved ones this Christmas, any way of squeezing the pennies are sure to be welcomed.

Thankfully, drivers have the opportunity to save a huge wad of cash every time they get behind the wheel by being more efficient with their fuel usage. Here's how:

Keep a car well maintained

Making sure a car is regularly maintained is not just advice given to keep a vehicle on the road - many parts of these checks could substantially reduce the amount of fuel used on a commute.

Obviously, having a look at a vehicle's tyres is a perfect place to start when trying to keep a car running – especially with the winter months looming.

Tyres must be maintained on a regular basis. Just one under-inflated wheel can send a vehicle's average miles-per-gallons rate tumbling but the fact of the matter is that tyres naturally lose air over time.

However, if tyre maintenance is not kept in check it will lead to the car witnessing an increase in rolling resistance – a process that leads to motorists having to burn more fuel just to keep their vehicle moving.

When it comes to driving during chillier months, motorists would be wise to put their standard wheels to one side and invest in a set of winter tyres.

These products offer better grip and traction when temperatures dip below seven degrees – a common occurrence throughout December, January and into February – and improved braking performance when journeying through snow, ice or even on wet roads.

Another top tip for bringing fuel costs down is to regularly get a beloved car serviced so that the vehicle's engine is always ticking over efficiently. The recommended time between services can be found on the manufacturer's schedule document.

Bristol Street Motors offers a superb Priority Service Plan, which drivers can take advantage of for just £9.99 per month. (http://www.bristolstreet.co.uk/service-repairs/personal-service-plan/#)

For their investment, motorists will gain peace of mind that their car's service costs are covered, as well as any parts, labour and VAT required for the vehicle. What's more, a plan is always tailored to suit the individual and their new or used motor.

It is also paramount that the right specification of engine oil is being used on the vehicle – even a slight variation could have long-term effects on a car's motor – and an air filter is never restricted due to built-up dirt and grime.

Check before you drive

A lot of fuel is wasted due to the fact that drivers have chosen to carry needless weight or failed to prepare for their journey ahead.

In order to prevent this from occurring, have a look around a car and decide if everything attached or found inside it are really necessary.

For example, is a roof rack really needed if a driver is only using their vehicle to drive to and from work? Or is that tool box a must-have feature if a family is only going to a shopping centre and back again on a weekend ride?

Obviously, getting lost on a road trip is going to result in drivers losing fuel – unless they strike lucky and somehow end up journeying through a shortcut.

This is improbable though so before leaving the house for a commute, take a moment to set a satnav device to accurately state the intended destination or accurately mark out a route on a map.

Posted by Louise Clark