The fuel price has been at record levels, with many stations breaking the £2 per litre mark for petrol and diesel. What’s worse, it might get even higher, thanks to a combination of war, industrial action, shortages and taxation.
It may be that the government will introduce changes to soften the blow – but that remains to be seen. Rather than wait for the government to leap into action, it might be worth instead taking matters into your own hands.
So, how can the average motorist weather this particular storm, and bring down the overall cost of getting from one place to the next?
Shop around
Not all petrol stations will be charging the same amount. It’s therefore worth shopping around in search of the best deal. Supermarket petrol stations tend to offer the best deals, since they actually use fuel prices as a loss-leader. Bear in mind, naturally, that you won’t want to go too far out of your way in search of a bargain, since you might actually consume more petrol than you save.
Avoid premium-unleaded
The benefits of high-octane fuel tend to be overstated in all but the most expensive vehicles. If you’re looking to save, then stop using it.
Buy a more efficient car
If you’re in the market for something new, then you might look for fuel efficiency. By shopping for something used, you might be able to save even more money, without compromising on quality. If you’re looking for a used Mercedes, then you can pick one up from a reputable approved dealer.
Drive smoothly
The more you apply the brakes, the more energy you’ll have wasted. This means keeping your speed down and anticipating upcoming changes in traffic that might force you to slow.
Change gears earlier
Labouring in a lower gear is actually more fuel-intensive than making the switch up to a higher one. Don’t drive lazily: shift gears!
Stick to the speed limit
This is related to the point we’ve already made. The faster you go, the more severely you’ll have to brake. But there are also inherent fuel inefficiencies introduced by pushing your engine too far. This applies on a motorway, where you might not do much braking at all. Keep it slow and steady.
Walk instead
If you’re not driving, then you’re not saving fuel. If you can walk from place to place, moreover, then you’re getting exercise that will confer health benefits, too. As an alternative to walking, you might also take up cycling. It’s a hobby that’s practical, green, and money-saving, too.
Change your tyres
If your tyres aren’t providing the required level of grip, then you’ll end up consuming more petrol. This means not only that you’ll need to regularly re-inflate them, but that you’ll need to periodically swap them out for a new set.
