How To Save Money On Fuel
Motorists are constantly seeking ways to save money on overall car expenses, particularly as the cost of living in Ireland continues to rise, impacting individuals and families across the country. Fuel costs can be a significant expenditure, but the great news is, there are simple things you can do to ensure your car is using less fuel while still travelling the same distance. Follow these simple car fuel saving tips and you should be filling up less often:
1. Check Tyre Pressures Regularly
Maintaining optimal tyre pressures in your vehicle can greatly improve fuel efficiency. Underinflated tyres increase fuel consumption by creating extra rolling resistance, making it more challenging for your engine to move the car. Frequently checking your tyre pressures and topping them up when needed can help ensure your car is running at peak fuel economy.
2. Limit Short Trips and Combine Errands
Cold engines burn more fuel than warmed-up ones, making short trips exceedingly expensive with regard to fuel costs. One fuel-saving tip is to combine errands in a single trip to ensure your engine stays warm, thus reducing overall fuel consumption.
If you’re regularly commuting to work or doing a school run it’s very much worthwhile looking into car-pooling. This cost-effective, environmentally-friendly, and social travel method can be organised informally among co-workers or parents involved in the school run.
3. Adhere to the Speed Limit
Respecting the speed limit not only contributes to safer driving but also optimises your car's fuel efficiency. Driving consistently at high speeds increases the wind resistance your vehicle must overcome, which leads to higher fuel consumption.
4. Keep a Steady Pace with Cruise Control
Using your cruise control (if your car has it) allows your vehicle to maintain a steady pace, minimising fluctuations in fuel consumption. This can be particularly helpful on longer drives or motorways, where maintaining a consistent speed can make a noticeable difference in fuel economy. We have even more tips on motorway driving if it’s something that you’re not very comfortable with.
Maintaining an appropriate speed is crucial for maximising fuel economy. Of course, this is subject to traffic conditions and events occurring on the road ahead. However, constantly decelerating and then accelerating consumes more fuel.
That’s why it's wise to drive in a smooth manner by carefully handling the steering wheel, accelerator, and brakes while watching the traffic ahead. When reducing speed, stay in gear, as this activates the fuel cut-off switch in fuel injection engines, resulting in minimal fuel usage when braking.
5. Reduce Air Conditioning Usage and Unnecessary Weight
Air conditioning can greatly increase fuel consumption, as it requires your engine to work harder. Lowering your car's AC usage and removing unnecessary weight, such as roof racks and excess cargo, can lead to noticeable savings in fuel costs.
6. Shift to a Higher Gear and Be Smooth at Traffic Lights
Higher gears promote fuel efficiency, as does keeping off the clutch and driving more smoothly overall. To further boost fuel economy, make a habit of accelerating gently, anticipating traffic lights, and coasting when possible.
7. Consider an Electric Car
The ultimate fuel saver, investing in an electric car can help to eliminate the cost of petrol and diesel altogether. While the initial purchase price may be higher for electric vehicles, the long-term fuel economy potential makes them a wise choice for many Irish drivers. It may not be only fuel you save on when switching to an electric vehicle, we looked into whether or not it was cheaper to insure an electric vehicle and also if it’s better to buy an electric or hybrid car.
8. Keep an Eye On Fuel Costs
Not only do fuel prices fluctuate greatly at the moment, but there are also some petrol stations that are running special deals and promotions to entice customers in the door.
That’s why it’s a good idea to keep your eye on the individual prices in certain stores, and if you spot one that’s a few cents cheaper than others it’s good to ear-mark it. It may only seem like small change but when filling a full tank those cents soon turn into euros worth of savings.
Tip: Pumps.ie is Ireland's premier petrol and diesel price comparison web site. You can browse prices based on stations near your current location or by selecting your county.
9. Maintain Your Vehicle
Ensuring your car is well-maintained plays a significant role in achieving fuel efficiency. Regular car maintenance, such as timely oil changes, checking tire pressures, replacing air filters, and keeping the engine tuned, helps maximise your vehicle's performance and fuel economy. Follow our tips on car maintenance and invest in proper upkeep to ensure a more efficient and cost-effective driving experiences.
10. Use GPS Navigation
The majority of drivers rely on satellite navigation systems, which significantly contributes to fuel-saving by preventing us from getting lost or caught in traffic congestion. Applications like Google Maps provide the fastest routes and utilize real-time data to help drivers steer clear of traffic hotspots. Google Maps has recently introduced eco-friendly routing in Ireland, offering even more fuel-efficient navigation options for drivers.
By implementing these fuel-saving tips, you can reduce your fuel expenses, make your car more environmentally friendly, and potentially save money on insurance premiums. With just a few adjustments to your driving habits and regular car maintenance, you can keep fuel prices in check and hit the road with confidence. And if you sign up for car insurance with AIG online you can enjoy an extra 10% off your quote.