Lighten the load
If your car is full of stuff you don't need - store it somewhere else. The heavier your car, the more fuel it needs to move. If your boot is full of things you don’t need, it’s time for a clean-out. Get rid of that extra sports equipment, unused stroller, or those 'just-in-case' items. You'll notice the difference at the pump. Also remove roof racks and roof boxes if you're not using them (and aren't going to any time soon).
Keep up with maintenance
You might be tempted to skip rountin maintenance on your car, so save a bit of money, but it's not a good idea as well-maintained vehicles are more efficient when it comes to fuel consumption - so in the long term, it could end up costing your more.
Check your tyre pressure
Under-inflated tyres cause more drag, meaning your engine has to work harder (and use more fuel) to keep moving. Check your tyre pressure regularly, and keep it at the manufacturer’s recommended level.
Slow down
Keep to the speed limit and save on fuel. Most cars, vans, pickup trucks and SUVs are most fuel-efficient when they're travelling between 50 and 80 km per hour. Above this speed vehicles use more fuel the faster they go.
Accelerate gently
Do you have a bit of a lead foot when it comes to accelerating? Unfortunately, all you're doing is asking your car to guzzle fuel. Instead, try gentle acceleration and braking. It’s smoother for your passengers too, and you’ll see a noticeable improvement in your fuel consumption. Cruise control is your friend here, especially on highways where you can maintain a steady speed and save fuel in the process.The harder you accelerate, the more fuel you consume.
Don't idle
If you're waiting to pick up your kids (or anyone else) sitting in a parked car with the engine running is a fuel waster (and who knows when they'll turn up!). If you know (or suspect) you'll be waiting for more than a minute or two, it’s smarter to switch off the engine and restart when you’re ready to go.
Choose your fuel
Your owner’s manual is your best friend when it comes to knowing what kind of fuel your car needs. If your car doesn’t need the premium stuff, there’s no reason to pay the extra for it. Stick to what your car’s manufacturer recommends, and you’ll be optimising both performance and fuel consumption without overspending.
Plan your trips
It might sound obvious, but planning ahead can make a big difference in your fuel usage. Try to group errands into one trip instead of making lots of short ones. Not only will you save fuel, but you’ll also have more free time!
Stay calm!
Several studies have shown that fuel economy can vary by as much as 30% depending on whether a car is driven smoothly or aggressively. If you're constantly tailgating, braking, and accelerating, you are wasting precious fuel.
Use your air-con wisely
At low speeds, air-con can increase fuel consumption by as much as 20%, so try opening the windows when you're not driving at high speed. At higher speeds, it’s more fuel-efficient to use air-conditioning than to drive with the windows down (which creates drag), but finding the right balance will help you save.
Go to the FuelWatch website or download the app to find the best fuel prices in your area.
