Improving your drivers skills can save you money on petrol, follow these driving techniques...
39. Drive the speed limit
Make sure that you observe the speed limit. Your fuel mileage will decrease rapidly when you travel at speeds over 60 mph.
For every 5 mph that you drive over the 60 mph mark you are adding an extra 10 cents onto each gallon of fuel that you purchase.
Keep in mind that you will be using at least 20 percent more petrol when you are traveling at 70 mph than you would driving at 55 mph.
If there are other family members in your home that drive, particularly younger drivers, make sure that you keep them aware of the higher petrol prices that are associated with driving too fast and too much over the recommended speed limit that is posted. This will also help them stay clear from traffic fines.
40. Anticipate driving conditions
If at all possible try to anticipate the driving conditions that you will be taking on your route. If you know the traffic is heavy on a certain road try to take an alternate route.
This also applies to driving conditions that may cause you to tailgate or practice some other inefficient driving procedures.
The cleaner and smoother that your driving is the more petrol costs you will save. Take the time to plan your driving routes accordingly. You'll find that in the long run you're saving yourself frustration as well as money.
41. Avoid rush hour
If at all possible you should try to avoid driving during peak rush hours. When the traffic is crawling along you'll be wasting petrol and creating wear and tear on your car.
If you are heading home on a Friday night and know that your commute home is going to be one long slow crawl you may want to consider staying close to where you work and running some errands in the meantime.
There is no need to start your commute home only to find that you are sitting in traffic with your car idling.
42. Accelerate before hills
If you are approaching a hill try to accelerate before you reach the hill. This will help you to use up less fuel while you are climbing the hill in your car.
Remember to accelerate in a safe manner or you wont be able to use this fuel saving tip. You in no way want to put your life, or the lives of others, in any danger.
43. Avoid fast driving in lower gears
If you drive at fast speeds using the wrong and often lower gears, you will reduce your fuel economy by as much as 40 percent.
If you are driving a standard vehicle make sure that you know how to properly operate the gears and know when to shift.
This is one of the common mistakes that many drivers make. By paying more attention to your driving techniques you will find that you can reduce some of your fuel costs.
44. Keep your foot off the brake
Try to avoid the habit of keeping your foot on the brake, even lightly, when you are driving. When you rest your foot on the brake you use more fuel than you would otherwise and you also will wear out your brakes much sooner.
If you find that you are keeping your foot on the brake without being aware of it you can try sticking a reminder note to yourself on the dashboard of your car. Start paying attention to your driving habits to see how important they are and to see how efficiently you drive.
45. Buy a smarter vehicle
Consider buying a hybrid vehicle to save on the cost of fueloline. You may find yourself on a waiting list waiting for the first available hybrid but the wait will be well worth it.
The Toyota Prius is one of the most sought vehicles of the year. In the coming years the hybrid will become more available and will be more affordable than it is at this point.
46. Travel Tips
One thing to keep in mind when you are traveling with a carrier or a roof rack is that you will be increasing your fuel cost by as much as 5 percent. Try to reduce the amount of aerodynamic drag and improve your fuel consumption by placing as much as you can in the trunk of your car.
Another thing to keep in mind is that when you are carrying heavy objects in your vehicle you reduce your fuel economy by as much as 1 to 2 percent.
If you are going to be doing some heavy hauling you might find it to your benefit to hire a truck or borrow one from a friend so that you can reduces the wear and tear on your car as well as keep down your fuel costs.
47. Tighten the petrol cap
It may seem like a small thing to do, but tightening the fuel cap on your car will prevent petrol from evaporating and escaping into the air.
If you have a fuel cap that doesn't fit tightly, or you've lost your fuel cap, buy a new one to replace it.
Contact your mechanic or the car dealer of your make of vehicle to see if they have your particular petrol cap in stock or if they can place an order for one to be shipped to you.
48. Cruise control
When you are driving on the highway you should be using cruise control whenever possible to maintain a steady pace.
This will help to increase your fuel consumption.
If you are driving a vehicle that currently has no cruise control its easy to have installed by your mechanic.
Many newer vehicles come with cruise
control as a feature and not as a luxury choice for just this
reason: to
save on fuel costs.