How to Save Money on Driving While Gasoline Prices Rise?

Sky-high fuel costs don’t seem to be going anywhere. That’s the story, according to experts, with pump prices already rising, exceeding £2 a litre in some cases, and filling up over £100 becoming the norm.

The RAC’s Fuel Watch reported that the cost of refueling rose by £9 in June alone, when petrol rose to 191.43 pence by a monthly record of nearly 17 pence per liter (16.59 pence).

It now stands at an average of 191.27p, just below the record high of 191.53p.

The RAC says higher pump prices are the result of rising oil prices, but as costs begin to fall, fuel giants and gas stations have been slow to pass on the benefit.

But motorists can help themselves take out some of the sting by following these helpful tips.

Watch your speed of course

By releasing the accelerator pedal, you use less fuel. Drive more economically and smoothly by avoiding hard acceleration and braking. Pulling away slowly can also help.

Imagine you are a driver. It is a good technique to master even if there is no fuel price crisis.

Many modern cars have an ‘eco’ mode that programs the car to minimize hard acceleration and lower fuel consumption.

Reports suggest that driving at 80 mph on a highway uses 25 percent more fuel than 70 mph. And 70 mph uses about 9 percent more fuel than at 60 mph.

Tom Hixon, chief of instructor support at Bill Plant Driving School, said, “While all motorists should adhere to the speed limit at all times, the faster your vehicle goes, resulting in increased fuel economy.”

When to use air conditioning… and when not?

Your car’s air conditioning system puts extra strain on the engine to keep the car cool, and by some estimates this can increase fuel economy by about 10 percent.

So consider opening the window at lower speeds. But at higher speeds, close your window and turn on the air conditioning. This reduces air resistance, improves the vehicle’s aerodynamics and saves you fuel.

Lose weight – do not use the hat boot as extra storage

Cleaning up your boat can also be helpful. It may seem obvious, but the lighter the car, the less fuel it uses, so avoid roof and bike racks.

Halfords notes: ‘Most are guilty of using their car or suitcase as storage space, but being overweight can increase fuel consumption.

“Unpack any unnecessary bulky items such as prams, luggage or boxes before hitting the road, and remove equipment such as roof racks and bicycle racks when not in use.”

Drive with half a tank like F1 racing cars do. With a full tank you burn more fuel to take more fuel with you.

Look around for the best petrol price

Shop around for the best prices. Supermarkets used to be the leaders, but even their prices are now skyrocketing.

Do your research and check local fuel prices online before filling up to get the best price in your area without wasting time and money driving between stations. Confused.com and GoCompare.com are among those that offer a free price checking service.

Loyalty programs can also help. Some gas stations in supermarkets offer points that you can spend at the pump or in the store.

And avoid premium fuel unless you have a performance car for which it is advised. Halfords suggests looking at fuel additives as “a cost-effective way to increase fuel economy.”

Check your tires

Make sure your tires are always inflated to the correct pressure. Not only is incorrect tire pressure unsafe, if the tire pressure is too low the car will need more fuel to move you as the engine has to work harder to compensate.

Properly inflated tires also last longer, so you maximize their lifespan.

Keep your car well maintained

In addition to the mandatory MOT inspections, regular maintenance will help keep your car in top condition and identify early problems that could turn out to be more serious later on. It also tunes your car to optimize fuel economy.

Halfords, whose Motoring Club members get a ten-point check, said, “Replacing a clogged air filter, worn spark plugs or old engine oil will all help improve your MPG.”

drive less

Cycle or walk for shorter distances. It helps you stay fit and save money.

AA president Edmund King — an avid cyclist — agrees: “The AA has been saying for years that motorists should walk or cycle for short trips.”

Check your insurance policy

If you don’t drive often, consider short-term auto insurance. Or even a mileage allowance. And if you drive fewer miles than you expected, tell your insurer and ask for a discount.

ComparetheMarket.com, This is Money’s auto insurance comparison partner, says nearly a fifth of motorists who drive less than 5,000 miles a year could save an average of £123 by switching to a pay-by-mile policy instead of annual car insurance.

You can Compare car insurance quickly and easily with This is Money’s partner Compare the Market.

Term car insurance specialist GoShorty (go to shorty.co.uk) offers short-term car insurance that if you share a car, or borrow a car from a friend or relative, you can insure between an hour and 28 days when you need to use it, in place all year round.

Switch to electric – it costs, but you can save in the long run

It’s a big investment, but it can pay off in the long run. A pure electric car means you’ll never have to refuel again, although it’s getting harder and harder to find empty public charging stations if you don’t have one at home.

If you drive a plug-in hybrid sensibly even for shorter trips, you rarely have to go to the gas station.

I currently drive a new Vauxhall Grandland Hybrid-e PHEV that gives me about 27 miles of electric range – charging every night – and I’ve barely gotten out of electric mode.

One positive point: people could drive more safely

However, rising pump prices could bring unexpected road safety benefits by encouraging safer driving habits that “could potentially save lives,” says road safety organization IAM RoadSmart.

Many of the UK’s 33 million motorists have already changed their driving habits for the better – by driving slower or smoother, research shows.

Of the 1,004 motorists surveyed, 72 percent said they had changed the way they travel because of rising fuel costs.

Of these, 38 percent (12.5 million) now say they drive more economically, while almost one in five (19 percent or 6 million) pay extra attention to keep to the speed limit.

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM Road Smart, said: ‘Slower and more fuel efficient driving will undoubtedly help reduce pain at the pumps, but another positive effect of this is road safety.’

Research by ComparetheMarket.com found that nearly half of drivers (49 percent) are making fewer trips, while a third worry they won’t be able to cover the cost of driving.