Soaring fuel prices bear on many people’s budgets. It is an ineluctable expense, making it complicated for them to make ends meet. Many people feel such intense pressure on their budgets that they end up hinging on short-term loans in Ireland.

Relying on loans to meet our fuel bills is not recommended because this behaviour could potentially throw you into an ongoing cycle of debt spiral. 

While you could potentially do nothing about the per-litre cost of fuel, there are many ways to save money on petrol and diesel, including a wide range of measures from driving efficiently to carpooling.

Hacks to help save money in fuel consumption

While the per-litre cost of fuel is high, you should concentrate on the total consumption. The less fuel you utilise, the lower the impact will be on your budget. Here are some effective strategies to save money on fuel usage:

• Drive at the speed of 50mph

The way you drive is a largely responsible factor in deciding your fuel consumption. The higher the speed, the higher the fuel combustion. Many motorists have been thinking that driving at a speed of 56mph helps attain maximum fuel efficiency, but experts say that there is no fixed driving speed that is considered ideal.

However, there are a number of other factors, such as the condition of the tyres, size and the age of the car. Depending on these factors, the ideal speed to gain maximum fuel efficiency should be 40 to 50mph. Remember that high-traffic areas during rush hour will not help you drive at that speed. The busier the road, the higher the fuel wastage.

• Turn off the air conditioning

Have you ever turned off the air conditioning during scorchingly hot summer days in the hope of saving money? That strategy is mindful indubitably. Extra energy is required to power your car’s air conditioning system, which means extra fuel consumption. According to experts, turning the cooling system on increases fuel exhaustion by up to 10%.

The impact will be substantially greater during shorter trips because the air conditioner will require more energy to bring down the inside temperature of your car. Opening your windows can help you save some money on fuel, but technically, its impact is not as much as you expect due to compensating the air resistance created by opened windows.

So, instead of choosing one over another, you should strike a balance between both fuel-efficient ways. Turn on the AC when you are driving at a speed above 50mph because a higher speed causes greater drag as a result of opened windows.  

• Cruise control may be a favourable option in some circumstances

Cruise control is a device that enables your car to move at a consistent speed without using the accelerator pedal. Because the car will be moving at a constant speed, the absence of unnecessary switching between the accelerator and harsh brakes will not consume too much fuel.

But cruise control is ideal when driving on motorways where roads are flat. Cities include high-traffic roads with steep gradients, which results in more fuel combustion. Therefore, cruise control may not be considered an effective method to reduce fuel consumption.

• Drive efficiently

Some people have a propensity to drive faster than usual on busy roads, considered as rough driving. It involves switching back and forth between the accelerator and harsh braking. You will have to watch out for your driving habits. Here are some tricks to save on fuel by efficient driving:

• Accelerate gradually and avoid harsh braking.
• The gear must corroborate with the speed limit you maintain.
• Maintain a consistent speed. An empty road or a less busy road does not approve of driving at 80mph or more.
• When you see the traffic backing up from a distance, you should immediately take your foot off the accelerator. Your car will automatically be slower. It helps save a lot on fuel exhaustion.

Efficient driving is not only meant to help you save on fuel but it is also recommended for your own safety.

• Maintain your car

It is a good idea to keep your car in good condition because it helps improve fuel efficiency. Of course, after every three months, you should have changed your car’s oil and air filter. But there are many other things you can do on your own to save money on fuel usage.

• You should keep an eye on your car’s tyre pressure. Underinflated tyres use up extra fuel, so it is always advisable to check the pressure before heading off. Look into your car’s manual to see the recommended air pressure in your tyres. However, you will need to add pressure if you are carrying passengers and luggage.
• Tread depth is another thing you should constantly monitor. Worn-out treads result in poor grip on roads. Its size should be at least 1.6mm. If it is not, you should get it replaced. You should always have them replaced before they are too damaged.
• Engine oil levels also play a paramount role in ensuring that your car does not consume too much fuel. Make sure that the oil is sufficient. If not, top up when it is cool. It is especially advisable when you are heading off on long trips.

Car maintenance does not have to be expensive if you keep it in good condition. If you need some money, you can take out loans without a credit check in Ireland.

• Lighten the load

Make sure your car does not bear too much weight because it makes it difficult for the car to accelerate smoothly, which results in too much fuel consumption. Be mindful of the luggage and heavy objects lying in your car. Do not carry anything you do not need, especially if you are on long journeys. Keep extra luggage behind.

• Avoid keeping bulky items in your boot if you are not using them.
• Remove roof racks because they create wind resistance.
• Avoid driving your car with the full fuel tank. Fuel comes with a certain weight, and the extra weight will impede smooth movement.

The final word

There is nothing you can do about increasing fuel prices, but you can use some tactics to help you consume less fuel. The less fuel you use, the more money you will save.

The aforementioned tricks, such as keeping the right air pressure, lightening the added weight, driving efficiently, and turning off the air conditioning, will be fruitful in helping save you money. Apart from that, keep your car in good condition. Regular maintenance is a must to make it fuel-efficient.