Tips on how to save money on fuel

With the prices of gasoline constantly rising, we could all use a few tips on how we could make our driving more fuel - efficient and save some money in the process. The good news is - it is not as hard as it seems. All it takes is some good car maintenance practices and a few modifications to our driving style.
The key to fuel-efficient driving is in your hands.

Here are a few tips you can start incorporating today and notice the difference in your gas bills.

Have your engine checked

We have talked before about the importance of regular car servicing and all it's benefits, but not the monetary benefits. Auto checks are very important since they can discover a flaw in the components of the engine before it becomes a major problem and requires (expensive) engine repairs. But did you know that neglecting servicing your engine regularly can increase fuel consumption of your vehicle by as much as 50%? Just changing the dirty spark plugs can lower fuel consumption by as much as 5%!

Check the air-filter

The air filters are the ones that keep dirt from damaging your engine. Over time they tend to clog up and this lowers your engine's fuel efficiency. Having them replaced can lower fuel consumption by as much as 10% and keep your engine protected at the same time.

When possible drive into higher gear

Driving into lower gear makes your engine consume more fuel than needed. Anytime the situation allows it get your car into higher gear. When you drive in the right gear, the engine more efficiently and consumes less fuel. Once the car gathers momentum, ease up on the acceleration pedal.

Use air conditioning sparingly

Using the air conditioning is sometimes inevitable, especially in hot sunny days, but use of air conditioning also means higher fuel consumption. When AC is on fuel consumption increases by as much as 8% especially in older vehicles. When it's not too hot, use the ventilation system instead or roll down the car windows if you're not driving too fast. Rolling down the windows is not advisable at higher speeds.

Avoid fast driving

The higher your driving speed, the higher the wind resistance against your vehicle, hence more fuel consumed by the engine. Driving 110 km/h means 30% more consumption than driving 80 km/h. The statistics are clear - keep your foot away from the gas pedal whenever possible.

Maintain tyre pressure

When the tire pressure is down by just 0.1 psi, fuel consumption increases 3%. Inflate your tires at least once a week. Make it a habit - for example, when you fill your gas tank.

Avoid keeping your car in idle mode

If you are stuck in a traffic jam or you're waiting for someone to run a small errand, do not keep your car engine running unnecessarily.

Use appropriate oil

Check your manufacturer's manual to find out the right oil viscosity for your engine. It is advisable to have it changed every 5000-8000 km.

Avoid carrying excessive weight

Every additional 45 kg of weight carried increases fuel consumption 1-2%. Avoid carrying around in your car things you don't need that only add weight to your vehicle.

Close the windows

The wind blowing trough the open windows slows down your car. To make up for it you will probably hit the gas pedal without even realizing it. Instead of opening the windows try using the car's ventilation system.

Smart driving and regular preventive car service will keep your fuel cost down and save you from expensive car repairs. Don't forget to drive safely.

Why you shouldn't neglect car servicing by your car mechanic? - It can save you a lot of money on repairs

How a radiator pressure test could have saved the owner $3000 on engine repairs

There's more to car servicing than just changing your original filter. You need to have a thorough car inspection every six months. The car needs to be lifted up on a hoist,the whole underneath of the car checked the wheels need to come off and the brakes and suspension needs to be checked. You need a thorough inspection performed under the bonnet; there are more than 50 items that need to be inspected.  Engines often fail because component connected to the engine fail. With this particular car a coiling hose was neglected and it actually split causing the engine to lose all of it's water in cord.  It didn't take very long for the engine to slow down and stop working, and as a result the cylinder head gasket blew on this engine. The engine had to be removed. Only the cylinder head gasket could not be removed because it was badly overheated and it caused more damage to the piston and the cylinder walls. That means the entire engine had to be replaced, which turned out to be more than a $3000 repair. All of this could have been avoided simply by getting a thorough vehicle inspection. In that car inspection a radiator pressure test should have been done, and a bad coiling hose would have shown up, which would have prevented all of this from happening. So in this case a bad coiling hose worth $12 has cause over $3000 of damage - and it could have been avoided! Regular car servicing and maintenance can keep your car repair cost way down. Don't neglect it!

Why you should service your car regularly?

Car service has multiple benefits

Sure you can change a flat or your oil filter, but I have to disappoint you - this doesn't make you an automobile expert. It requires an experienced car mechanic, who knows the inner working functions and parts of the car to perform the auto check. Regular auto checks and car servicing will find glitches that could later result in major car trouble. This will save you money on major repairs and keep your car running smoothly.

 1. Lower fuel bills. It only makes sense if your engine runs smoothly that it will use the gas more efficiently. This is very important as gas prices have been perpetually climbing in the past years and the trend is expected to continue. Be smart and perform car services regularly to keep gas bills to a minimum.

2. Decrease of operating costs. With regular check ups and maintenance of all your car parts you decrease the running cost or your machine. Follow the advice from your auto mechanics to achieve maximum results.

3. Preserve the value of your vehicle. It is safe to assume that at one point in time (sooner or later) you will want to sell your car. This is where regular car service will show most value.

 4. Keep your car warranty. Whether your car is old or new, the warranty dictates regular auto checks and vehicle maintenance. If you want to keep it it is highly advisable that you keep all of your appointments.

 These are only some of the benefits from regular car servicing. Let your auto mechanics turn your car into a lean mean smoothly running machine.