Innovative ways to cut fuel costs: Declutter your car and drive wisely
Is your car burning too much petrol? Check if you are carrying unnecessary items in it. Empty the car's contents and petrol consumption will significantly decrease. What should you remove from the car to save money?
10 June 2024 13:16
After a few days of driving, does the fuel indicator on the dashboard warn of low fuel in the tank? The costs of refilling can be overwhelming, primarily when the car uses more than you expected. So, how can you make the car consume less petrol? It turns out that saving fuel might be easier than you think.
How to save on fuel?
Experts point out that petrol-engine vehicles can use less fuel if properly prepared for driving. Items often unnecessarily stored in boots or on seats weigh down the car, leading to higher petrol consumption. Sometimes, a simple tidying up can make a difference.
An ideal start to saving fuel is a general cleaning inside the car. British insurance broker ChoiceQuote suggests removing all items that overly weigh down the vehicle before setting off. It is common, for example, to leave roof racks for bikes on the car, which, when not disassembled, add weight and increase petrol consumption. Some drivers also carry entire tool kits in their boots, which generally go unused – they should also be removed from the vehicle.
Fuel-saving tips
After a thorough car cleaning, changing your driving style is another way to save fuel. For example, it is not always necessary to warm up the engine before setting off, especially if you only travel a short distance.
It is advisable to avoid traffic jams whenever possible—continuous starting and stopping cause the tank to empty quickly. Sometimes, choosing a longer but less congested route allows you to save fuel by up to a few percent. While driving, try to maintain a steady speed and avoid running the engine at high RPMs. If possible, use cruise control when driving on the motorway, which will help maintain a constant speed.
Following these principles and removing unnecessary weight from the car can save on fuel. The car will stop burning like a gas guzzler, and the money saved can be spent on other pleasures.