7 ways to save as fuel shoots up
Oil prices jumped to more than $90 a barrel amid a worsening crisis in the Middle East – and they are heading for $100.
Meanwhile, new carbon taxes will add over 2c a litre to fuel costs.
All of this means we could be paying more than €2 per litre for a fill-up at the pumps once more.
But we can ease the pain – just by changing the way we drive. Here are seven tips to help reduce fuel costs:
1. Empty your boot
It’s a good idea not to make your car work harder than it needs to by carrying around unnecessary things in the boot. So dump that ‘junk inside your trunk’, as the song goes.
2. Drive smoothly
Jerky driving – or accelerating at all – burns up fuel. Braking suddenly also makes your engine work harder to regain speed… guzzling more fuel.
3. Slow down
Speeds above 80kph equal lower fuel efficiency, according to figures from the AA. Driving above 120kph uses more than 9% more fuel than at 100kph and up to 15% more than at 80kph. Also ensure you’re using the most efficient gear for that speed.
4. Ditch the drag
Reduce drag by keeping the windows closed whenever you can.
5. Maintain your car properly
Make sure your tyres are pumped up to the right pressure because underinflated tyres create friction, which burns more fuel.
6. Use your car’s fuel efficiency gadgets
Lots of cars have a choice of driving modes, including an ‘eco’ option that switches the car to its most efficient settings. And on the motorway, it might be worth using cruise control.
7. Plan your journey
Use your GPS to plan your journey in advance to avoid any potential hold-ups that burn through fuel.