13 Smart Ways to Save Petrol and Money

For many of us, driving is an essential part of daily life, but with petrol prices constantly on the rise, it can feel like your wallet is taking a hit every time you fill up.

Instead of just accepting high fuel costs, there are practical steps you can take to improve your car's fuel efficiency and save money.

Let’s dive into some effective tips to keep your petrol expenses in check.

1. Choose the Right Petrol

Start with the basics: choose the right type of petrol for your vehicle.

Check your vehicle owner's manual to find the lowest recommended grade of petrol required.

Contrary to popular belief, higher grades do not enhance your car's performance; they only add to your costs.

2. Pump Your Tyres Periodically

Keeping your tyres properly inflated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce petrol usage.

Properly inflated tyres mean less rolling resistance, which directly translates to better fuel economy.

Check your tyre pressure at least once a month to ensure they are at the recommended level. Under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%.

3. Opt for Thinner Tyres

While wider tyres improve handling, they also increase fuel consumption due to greater rolling resistance.

Opt for thinner tyres if possible to enhance your fuel economy without compromising safety.

4. Start Your Engine; Not Revv Your Engine

Modern cars don't need to be primed by pumping the accelerator.

Start your engine without unnecessary revving and let it idle for no more than 30 seconds.

Driving warms up the engine faster and more efficiently than idling.

5. Drive in High Gear

Engines run most efficiently at low revs. Shifting up through gears as soon as possible, ideally before the engine reaches 2,500 rpm, can help maintain fuel efficiency.

For automatic cars, using overdrive can lower engine revs and save fuel.

6. Drive at Moderate Speeds

Speeding might get you to your destination faster, but it also burns more fuel.

Driving at moderate speeds, especially on highways, can significantly improve fuel efficiency.

For instance, driving at 90km/h instead of 100km/h can save you about 10% on fuel consumption. Remember, every km/h over 90 increases fuel usage by about 1%.

7. Accelerate Smoothly

Rapid acceleration burns more fuel.

Accelerate gradually and smoothly to maintain fuel efficiency.

Using cruise control on highways can also help maintain a constant speed and save fuel.

8. Reduce Air Drag

Extra parts like roof racks and spoilers increase air resistance and fuel consumption.

Remove these accessories when not in use.

Also, keep windows closed at high speeds to reduce drag.

9. Turn Off Your Engine; Do Not Idle

Idling consumes fuel without moving you anywhere.

If you're stopped for more than a minute, turn off your engine.

Restarting your engine uses less fuel than idling for long periods.

10. Check The Traffic Before You Move

Driving smoothly by anticipating traffic conditions can save fuel.

Avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration by keeping a safe distance from the car in front and coasting to stops.

It takes more fuel to start from a complete stop than to keep moving slowly.

11. Reduce The Load 

The heavier your car, the more fuel it consumes.

Remove unnecessary items from your car to reduce weight.

Every 50kg of extra weight can increase fuel consumption by up to 2%.

12. Clean Your Air Filter

A clean air filter allows your engine to operate more efficiently by ensuring a good mix of air and fuel.

Clogged air filters can increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.

Regularly check and replace your air filter to maintain optimal engine performance.

13. Use Air Conditioning Sparingly

Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.

Use it sparingly, especially at low speeds.

When driving over 80km/h, it's more fuel-efficient to use the air conditioner than to open the windows, which creates aerodynamic drag.

Conclusion

By adopting these fuel-saving practices, you can significantly reduce your petrol costs and make your driving experience more efficient.

Not only will you save money, but you'll also contribute to a cleaner environment by lowering your fuel consumption.

Writer's note: Images are purely fictional; for illustration only.