Petrol prices regularly fluctuate, and whatever vehicle you are driving — whether you are going for a short trip to the local mall or for a long drive — you would want to make every drop count. Here are a few tips that will help you get the most out of your money for every trip to the petrol station.
Schedule your visit to the petrol station on weekdays
Petrol prices usually spike during the weekends. As such, you can end up saving more money by filling up your vehicle during the weekday.
Get a discount card
Many of today's petrol stations offer discount cards for their loyal patrons. While these discounts are not that big, over time, these small discounts can add up to a huge sum of money.
Leave the extra load at home
For some drivers, their cars are the extension of their homes or offices, carrying or storing unnecessary stuff. However, these extra things add weight to your car, reducing fuel economy by as much as two percent. If you must carry heavy loads, put these in the trunk to minimise drag.
Know when to turn off the engine
Instead of leaving your car's engine on idle, turn it off if you are waiting for someone beyond a minute.
Follow speed limits
Following speed limits does not only bolster your safety on the road, but it can also help you save petrol. Remember, for every 8 kilometres per hour you go over 95 kilometres per hour, you increase your vehicle's petrol consumption. If your car has cruise control, take advantage of this to maintain steady speed.
Regularly check tyre pressure
One ritual that you should always perform before taking a drive is checking tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres require more energy to move and can increase fuel consumption.
Opt for regular petrol
Check your car's owner's manual and follow the suggested petrol grade. Contrary to the belief of some people, petrol with higher octane does not necessarily improve the performance of a vehicle.
Follow a strict maintenance schedule
Regular maintenance ensures that unexpected breakdowns are prevented while making your vehicle more efficient.
Don't forget to tighten the petrol cap
Petrol is a volatile substance and fumes can escape through evaporation from your car's petrol tank. Prevent this by keeping the lid tightly closed.
Plan your trips well
If you have several destinations in your itinerary, make sure to plan accordingly and make the most out of your journey. You can end up consuming more fuel when the car needs to run from a cold start. Also, whenever possible, opt for routes which have flatter terrains and the least amount of stops.
Turn off the AC when possible
When the weather is nice and pleasant, consider turning the air conditioning off. Air conditioning increases petrol consumption.
Know which petrol station to go to
The best places for petrol refills are busy stations which typically have fresh petrol. Fresh petrol is superior to petrol that has been in a pump station for a few days. Also, consider refilling petrol when the temperature is cooler. This will minimise the possibility of petrol evaporation.