(Photo Credit)

5 Fuel Saving Tips

Driving is an expensive business, and once you’ve tallied up the costs of buying and insuring your car, there’s often little left over to fill the fuel tank up with! There are, however, ways to conserve fuel and save money without splashing out on a brand new economical, green car. Take a look at these top 5 fuel saving tips from PassSmart, and you’ll be saving the cents in the long term.

1. Reduce your load

The first step to becoming a fuel efficient driver is reducing the weight in your vehicle. Of course, it’s not always possible to have an empty vehicle all of the time, but whenever possible, take the excess weight off. Taking out your snow shovel and deicer when it gets to the summer months, for example, will make all the difference to your fuel economy. Don’t get into the habit of chucking things in the boot as if it’s storage, and don’t leave empty roof or bike racks on!

2. Ease off the gas

Quick acceleration and harsh braking will both use up more fuel, so don’t be too heavy footed! Not only will gentle acceleration and braking reduce your fuel usage, but it will also reduce your carbon footprint significantly. Get into the habit of easing off the gas as you approach junctions and traffic lights. This is a much more fuel efficient driving style than slamming the brakes on when you get there!

3. Vehicle maintenance

Although car maintenance is another expense we could all do without, keeping your vehicle in tip top condition is crucial for saving money in the long term. There are a number of things which could make your car less fuel-efficient, and things like tyre pressure and oil levels can make all the difference.

Under-inflated tyres can be dangerous and will significantly reduce your fuel economy. Take the time to check your tyres on a regular basis, looking out for any rips or tears. You should also ensure you check your tread depth as the less tread you have, the worse your road handling will be, and the more you’ll have to spend on fuel.

Similarly, regular oil checks will make sure your engine is kept running smoothly. This will also help to monitor your oil usage, so you’ll be able to investigate if the engine appears to be burning up a lot. Keeping an eye on what’s going on under the bonnet could save you a lot of money in the long term.

4. Limit the air con

Most of us don’t even think about it, but leaving the air con on can unnecessarily burn up extra fuel. Only use the air con when you really need it, and once the car has cooled down, turn it off again! The same goes for for your blowers, windscreen heaters and headlights so don’t forget to turn them off either!

5. Invest in a GPS system

If your sense of direction leaves a lot to be desired, it might be wise to invest in a GPS system. Getting lost burns up extra fuel for obvious reasons. The more time you spend going the wrong way, the more fuel you’ll use up trying to find the right way!

This guest post was written by Izzy Guarella from PassSmart.com. PassSmart is a British company who helps learner drivers find driving instructors in their area.