How to make your fuel last longer

Fuel is a major expense for many families and households. Fuel prices continue to fluctuate and while we can’t do much about fuel prices, there are some ways to decrease your fuel consumption to make it last a bit longer, saving you money to spend on more fun things.  Here are a few tips we have put together to help reduce your fuel consumption and fight the effect of fuel prices on your wallet.
 

Drive at a steady pace

If you constantly brake and then speed up you burn more fuel than if you maintain a constant speed. Pressing the accelerator pedal hard will also burn fuel quicker. Keep this in mind when you are in heavy traffic, so don’t accelerate or brake too quickly as the traffic moves as this will burn fuel at a quicker rate. Just think of your accelerator pedal as your wallet, each time you press on it money falls out. The harder you press the quicker you lose money.
 

Check your fuel cap

If it is not screwed in properly, fuel may evaporate which will decrease your overall fuel level and affect your fuel efficiency.
 

Lighten your load

The heavier your vehicle is the more fuel it will use because it has to work harder in order to move.
 

Regular checks with your mechanic

Ensuring your car is well maintained with appropriate checks, such as oil changes and other tune-ups means it will run smoothly and use less fuel. It is also important to be aware of the correct tyre pressure for your car, as deflated tyres are more resistant on the road.
 

Don’t leave the car running for a long time when parked

Switch off the engine when you can. Idling for even a minute uses more fuel than turning off and restarting the engine. Consider this when stuck in traffic too. Not only will you save your fuel but you will also help the environment.
 

Avoid using your car when you don’t need to

For some trips, consider walking or public transport options to save on fuel. Alternatively, allocate one day of the week when you will not use your car at all.
 

Avoid economy fuel

Economy fuel can be inferior in quality and may not last as long as a more premium fuel. You will end up paying more due to having to fill up more frequently. If your vehicle runs on petrol, opt for a premium unleaded or a super unleaded fuel from time to time. Note: Ensure you’re using the correct fuel for your vehicle as indicated in the manufacturer’s manual.
 

Keeping cool

When should you and shouldn’t you use your A/C? We all know that running our A/C drains our fuel. However, to what extent? Did you know that if you’re driving short distances, stuck in traffic, or just general city driving having your windows down and the A/C off will be more fuel efficient? However, for longer journeys or long periods of travelling at high speeds (above 64kph) you can enjoy the cool air from the A/C with the windows up. Keeping the windows down at high speed increases the drag on your vehicle meaning your engine has to work harder which uses fuel faster.  Whenever you use the A/C keep the windows up – losing the cool air your engine has worked hard to make for you contributes to increased fuel consumption.
 

Do as many errands as possible in one trip

If you try to plan your trips to be as efficient as possible it will not only save you on costly fuel bills, but it will save you time as well.
 

Be aware of hills

Don’t accelerate up a hill, go slowly and steadily to conserve fuel.
 

Use the correct gear

This may seem obvious, but driving in the incorrect gear can mean your car will work harder and burn more fuel as a result.
 

Opt for a more fuel-efficient car

If you’re in the market for a new car, consider getting one that is fuel-efficient. Do your research and don’t make a decision based solely on the flashy marketing, which could be misleading . Ask questions and talk to the right people.

However you choose to run your vehicle, there’s nothing more important than ensuring you have a suitable level of insurance to protect you if an accident occurs. Check out our competitively priced and flexible Car Insurance.