Tired of seeing the high cost of petrol eat away at your pay packet? While we can never escape fuel costs entirely, there are things we can do to save money on petrol. Cut your fuel costs with some of these suggestions:
1. Ensure that your vehicles are properly maintained. Under-inflated tires, dirty oil, clogged air filters and poorly tuned engines all increase your fuel costs.
2. Consolidate your trips and car pool. Do all your chores in the one trip. Share school runs (& after school activity runs) with other parents.
3. Walk, cycle or public transport - About two-thirds of all car journeys are less than 2km. Get your kids using walking school buses or talk to their school about starting one up. Public transport is a great option for those who would otherwise have to pay for parking, plus you can read or relax while you travel – give it a shot, even if just for summer.
4. Drive smoothly. Relaxed driving can save up to 4 per cent in petrol, says the AA. Driving within the speed limit also cuts costs.
5. Remove accessories and reduce drag. Remove your roof rack and anything else that can create drag. Empty your boot and backseats of anything that you don’t need to carry around.
6. Turn off the air-conditioning. Open your windows instead of using air conditioning all the time. Use window shades and park in the shade to keep your car cool.
7. Don’t sit with your engine idling. Contrary to popular belief, ten seconds of idling can use more fuel than turning off the engine and restarting it.
8. Shop online. You can save time and petrol by grocery shopping online. Shop also for books, CDs and just about anything else, all from reputable companies who will mail/courier/deliver your items. If you have to visit the shops, go locally.
9. Trade in your vehicle(s) for vehicles with better fuel economy. Cars have better fuel mileage than trucks/vans/SUVs and smaller cars have even better fuel mileage.
10. Get vehicles that don’t run on petrol. Buy vehicles that run on other fuels or types of energy. One solution is a hybrid car, a vehicle that combines a fuel-efficient petrol engine with an electric motor. You don’t have to let high fuel costs eat into your finances. Saving money on petrol is possible as long as you’re willing to pay attention to what you’re driving and how you’re driving it and are willing to make a commitment to cutting your fuel costs.
The views or information given in this article are not necessarily the views of AMP or AMP Adviser Businesses. It provides general financial information and is not intended to provide financial advice. For personalised financial advice, we recommend you contact us.