May 2023
These days, as the cost of living increases, motorists are taking more and more notice of the price of petrol and diesel. We are obsessively looking at the figures displayed in the garages and looking for ways to reduce costs. Though we can't control the fuel prices, we can do a few things to make the fuel go further and stretch out trips to the pumps. Check out our tips below:
1. Get a service
Regularly servicing your car — changing the air filter and oil and balancing tyres — greatly improves your vehicle's performance, leading to it using fuel more efficiently.
2. Use the correct oil
Using the correct oil, you can improve your car's fuel economy by 1-2 per cent. Check the car's manual for the recommended oil and use that one.
3. Check tyre pressure
By ensuring the proper inflation of your car's tyres, you can improve your MPG (mile per gallon) by up to 3.3 per cent. Under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by 0.3 per cent for every 1 psi drop in pressure.
4. Drive smoothly
Try to accelerate and brake as smoothly as possible when driving. Being heavy-footed with the accelerator and brake pedal uses up more fuel.
5. Reduce weight
Remove all unnecessary items from your car. The lighter your vehicle, the less energy and fuel are needed to move and stop it.
6. Use air-con wisely
Using your car's air-con system increases the engine's work and the amount of fuel it needs to operate. Therefore, to save energy, turn off the air-con and open the windows and sunroof if your car has one.
However, there is an exception to that rule.
At speeds of 80 km/h and faster, using the air-con is better for fuel consumption than opening the windows. Open windows increase the drag on the car.
Speaking of which...
7. Reduce drag
Reducing drag improves your vehicle's aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency. So, if you have a roof rack or bike rack, remove it when you are not using it.
8. Check prices before you fill up
If you haven't memorised all the fuel prices in your area, you can browse online for a live list of the cheapest places to get fuel in Ireland. The website pumps.ie can help you locate the cheapest petrol stations in your area, and the Waze mobile app shows fuel prices along your route. This feature allows you to plan where and when to fill up and can save you money at the pumps.
It does pay off to shop around, especially if you drive a fuel-guzzling vehicle, as prices can vary by up to thirty-five per cent across the country.
Following these tips can reduce the frequency of petrol station stops and help your bank balance and the environment's health.
Information correct as of date of publishing. This blog will not be updated or edited so the information may become outdated.