Frugal Ireland

Image via Wikipedia

Don’t you love how our American friends complain about gas prices? They really have no idea, do they! What I would kill for $4/gallon petrol over here.  So what can we do about it?  Here are a few tips (other than riding your bike or using public transport) that should help you minimise petrol costs.

• Lose some weight.  Not necessarily your own, but weight in the car.  Remove car seats, buggies, things in the boot etc. if you don’t need them.
• Stop topping up to an even number when you fill your car up.  When you hear the click leave it at that.  There is a system in most cars which leaks the excess out, meaning you’ve spent money on nothing.
• Drive economically.  Most cars get the best petrol mileage at 100 kmPH.
• Stay in the highest gear possible.  You will get better mileage in higher gears.
• Keep windows closed, as leaving them open creates drag and uses more petrol
• Keep your car tuned and serviced for maximum fuel efficiency
• Plan your trips in advance.  What’s the best route to take to keep the mileage down?  Think about where you need to stop and what’s the most efficient way to run your errands.  Try to cut routine trips down to, such as once-per-week grocery shopping.
• Shop online when possible.  Not only will you more than likely save money, you won’t have to waste petrol going to the shops!
• Shop around for the best petrol prices.  Try using Pumps.ie, a service which you can add your local prices and look around to see what the best deal is in your area.
• See if Motorcheck.ie is an option that might work.  It works in Shell, Statoil and Topaz and guarantees a price for the week.  Not always the cheapest of petrol stations, but if they’re all you have in your area, this option could save you some money.
• Carpool! Seriously… do all those parents need to be lined up outside the school to pick up one child each? Madness, for gas mileage and the environment.  Start a carpooling program!
• Don’t let your car idle.  Mechanics say if you need to stop for more than thirty seconds it is more fuel efficient to turn your car off.
• Keep a record of your journeys, mileage and petrol spend.  See how you can be more efficient at the end of the week.

What are your tips? Anything that you would advise?

Categories: Savings, Tips
Tags: cars, driving, fuel, gas, petrol