2. Downsize
If you are thinking of changing your vehicle, ask yourself whether you could get away with buying a smaller car. Not only are smaller cars easier to park and manoeuvre as well as being generally cheaper to purchase, you will save a fortune on fuel every year.
3. Find the Cheapest Fuel
Sign up for free regular updates at www.petrolprices.com to ensure that you are using the cheapest garage for fuel in your area. This site uses your postcode to determine where your local garages are. It’s also a good idea to avoid refuelling on motorways or major routes if possible, as fuel prices can be considerably higher.
4. Road Tax
Buy 12 month’s worth of car tax instead of 6 months at a time. Although it might feel painful in the short term, it could save you up to £40.
5. Opt For A Smoother Drive
Use higher gears to save fuel and reduce emissions. Change gear earlier (at 2000 revs for diesel or 2500 revs for petrol), being less aggressive and avoiding sudden acceleration and braking will use less fuel as well as making your journey smoother. If possible, it helps to avoid driving in rush hour traffic.
6. Heat and Cool
Air con and heating systems both increase fuel consumption but if you keep the inside of your windows very clean, this will help to prevent misting – the window heaters use up a lot of fuel and don’t actually keep you very warm! Similarly, don’t leave your car to warm up before you get into it as this is a big waste of fuel –just drive softly until the car has had a chance to heat up.
7. Could You Run On Biodiesel?
Depending on how much fuel you use each year, you could save a fortune on fuel costs by converting to biodiesel, which will cost only 15p per litre after investing in the processor and often you can pick up used cooking oil from hotels and restaurants for free. There are two things to do: firstly check that your vehicle handbook says that biodiesel is suitable for your engine, and fill out a duty of care waste transfer notice. This type of fuel produces 80% less emissions, and with no difference in terms of your car’s performance. However, the processor can cost approximately £2000 so you won’t see an immediate return on your investment and if you produce over 2500 litres each year, there is tax to pay. If you intend to sell your biodiesel you will also need a license from the Environment Agency.
8. Get Platinum Membership
Save 45% on your annual car maintenance and testing costs with an IN’n’OUT Platinum Membership. Benefit from a variety of different packages to suit you and your car, such as an XPRESS MOT, two XPRESS Services, four XPRESS Valets and unlimited Top Ups for a whole year, for just £290 incl. VAT, parts and labour. For more information, contact Simon at IN ‘n’ OUT on 07703 102686.
If you are thinking of changing your vehicle, ask yourself whether you could get away with buying a smaller car. Not only are smaller cars easier to park and manoeuvre as well as being generally cheaper to purchase, you will save a fortune on fuel every year.
3. Find the Cheapest Fuel
Sign up for free regular updates at www.petrolprices.com to ensure that you are using the cheapest garage for fuel in your area. This site uses your postcode to determine where your local garages are. It’s also a good idea to avoid refuelling on motorways or major routes if possible, as fuel prices can be considerably higher.
4. Road Tax
Buy 12 month’s worth of car tax instead of 6 months at a time. Although it might feel painful in the short term, it could save you up to £40.
5. Opt For A Smoother Drive
Use higher gears to save fuel and reduce emissions. Change gear earlier (at 2000 revs for diesel or 2500 revs for petrol), being less aggressive and avoiding sudden acceleration and braking will use less fuel as well as making your journey smoother. If possible, it helps to avoid driving in rush hour traffic.
6. Heat and Cool
Air con and heating systems both increase fuel consumption but if you keep the inside of your windows very clean, this will help to prevent misting – the window heaters use up a lot of fuel and don’t actually keep you very warm! Similarly, don’t leave your car to warm up before you get into it as this is a big waste of fuel –just drive softly until the car has had a chance to heat up.
7. Could You Run On Biodiesel?
Depending on how much fuel you use each year, you could save a fortune on fuel costs by converting to biodiesel, which will cost only 15p per litre after investing in the processor and often you can pick up used cooking oil from hotels and restaurants for free. There are two things to do: firstly check that your vehicle handbook says that biodiesel is suitable for your engine, and fill out a duty of care waste transfer notice. This type of fuel produces 80% less emissions, and with no difference in terms of your car’s performance. However, the processor can cost approximately £2000 so you won’t see an immediate return on your investment and if you produce over 2500 litres each year, there is tax to pay. If you intend to sell your biodiesel you will also need a license from the Environment Agency.
8. Get Platinum Membership
Save 45% on your annual car maintenance and testing costs with an IN’n’OUT Platinum Membership. Benefit from a variety of different packages to suit you and your car, such as an XPRESS MOT, two XPRESS Services, four XPRESS Valets and unlimited Top Ups for a whole year, for just £290 incl. VAT, parts and labour. For more information, contact Simon at IN ‘n’ OUT on 07703 102686.