If you haven’t seen the news about the rise in the cost of fuel, then you either don’t drive or live in a very large, car-free cave!
How expensive is it to fill up the tank these days, it’s crazy?! And yet we still need to get from A to B, so have to suck up the cost increase. So with that in mind, what can we do to save money with each journey? We have looked through the world wide web for the best tips on saving fuel, with the hope that the money stays in your pocket rather than at the petrol station.
Track your local fuel prices and find the best station.
There are a few websites and apps that are free and provide details of where you can find the cheapest fuel in your area. Here are the top three sites that we found and have proven to be really useful –
www.confused.com/petrol-prices
Use a rewards card when you fill up
Most petrol stations and supermarkets offer a rewards programme which either offers a discount or points to use towards a variety of things. Make sure you use this every time you fill up and get all the points you deserve. Many petrol stations and supermarkets will let you use your accumulated points against fuel, so when you top up remember that it will be going towards a cheaper top-up in the future.
Avoid paying with your credit card
You will only be paying interest on top of an already expensive tank top up.
Increase your fuel efficiency
Try and get the maximum miles per gallon. You can do this a number of ways, by checking your tyres are correctly inflated. It could boost your fuel efficiency by as much as 3%, which in this day and age equates to approximately £2.50 per full tank.
Reduce the weight of your car – clear the boot of all the gubbins you don’t need to take with you on every single journey and take the roof rack off the top. A lighter car makes for pennies saved. Some argue that not filling the tank all the way reduces the cost as well, as you are transporting less fuel, but this hasn’t been proven.
Keep an eye on Google Maps – this year, they will be rolling out an option for you to select the most fuel-efficient route to your destination. Though it may result in not being the fastest route, it will save on fuel and therefore £££.
Stop using the car!
Not always the most helpful of options we know but depending on your journey, consider whether you can walk or cycle instead. Not only will it save you money, but it is also better for the environment and will help to keep you fit. Would public transport be an option, or joining a car share scheme?
Electric cars are also the next – possibly more extreme – option. As well as saving money on fuel, you will also be reducing your carbon footprint.