You may think that your car will only get 30mpg, but you may be surprised how much you can save by just driving differently.

When you find a cheap forecourt, keep going back there when you're down to about a quarter full, and only half fill the tank, as fuel is quite heavy, and manufacturers have invested heavily in reducing the weight of the car!

I noticed in June 2008 that some garages were increasing prices on Monday morning, and reducing them on Saturday. I asked why they were doing this, and they responded that they just keep in sync with the other garages in the area. My interpretation is that they are making a killing while business users were travelling, and serving the locals at weekends. Seems unfair, immoral, and may even be illegal!!

I found this fun website and thought you might like to see it Smile

Keep your tyre pressures to the manufacturer's manual spec. It can save you cash by not having more or less rubber on the road, your car will corner and brake better, and you'll save wearing them out as quickly too.

Empty the boot of excess stuff, especially heavy stuff.

Reduce 'drag' by removing roof racks and boxes, and don't have your sunroof or windows open either - you'd be surprised how much difference that makes.

Air conditioning, although you should use it at least once a week to stop it clogging up, uses 8% of the fuel you put in the car!

Keep to the speed limits, and don't race off from traffic lights. Take your foot off the accelerator before you need to brake. Apparently keeping revs below 3,000 is best, but don't drive yourself mad!!

If you work flexitime, use the choice to travel during quieter periods, say not during school drop-off or pick-up time, or the traditional 'rush-hour'.

If you know someone who lives en route to work, see if you can car-share. That saves causing further congestion, reduces emissions and pollution, and reduces wear and tear on both vehicles, and potentially depreciation, as well as the obvious fuel cost.

Read the road - if there are vehicles in front slowing down, don't leave braking till the last second, take your foot off the gas.

If you have cruise control, use it, as this is quite an efficient use of the engine.

Use the car less! Use the bus, train, rural transport schemes, Park and Ride on occasions. See if you can get where you want within a reasonable time, and see if you can reduce your costs too (including parking).

If you're stuck in a traffic jam for more than a couple of minutes, turn off the engine. You'll be reducing harmful street level emissions and particulates, which have been associated with asthma and more recently pneumonia.

Encourage your children to either walk to school if within reasonable distance (with a reflective jacket if appropriate) or use the school bus if there is one. If neither can be achieved, try to get a group of children who go to the same school to travel in the same vehicle.

 

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