Top 10 ways to save on petrol

We seem to have a love hate relationship with petrol. Without it, our cars wouldn't start but with it our pockets are emptied. In these testing economical times it doesn't help that the price of petrol has been dramatically increasing over the years.

So while we can't change the price at the pump, we can minimise the effects it has on our pockets. Here are some savvy tips for the petronomically challenged:

1. SAVE YOUR COIN BEFORE THE ENGINE IS EVEN SWITCHED ON
Before you switch the engine on think: is my seatbelt fastened, is everyone in the car and ready for take-off, is the seat and mirrors adjusted. All these little preparations can take 2minutes. That means that on four trips a day, five days per week this can equal 34hours of petrol wasting a year!

2. PLAN AHEAD
Avoid unnecessary driving by planning your trip before hand and combine multiple household tasks into a single trip. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel when the engine is already warm. So think about the best route for the time of day you are driving because there is nothing worse than sitting in traffic and watching your cash fly out the exhaust pipe!

3. OPEN THE WINDOWS
Shockingly, by doing this and switching off the air-con you can reduce fuel economy by up to 20%. So when the weather is fine, roll those windows down, and stick your head out like you're a happy puppy enjoying the breeze! If windows up is more your style however, use the air ventilation system instead. Just make sure you park in the shade whenever possible and buy a sun shield for your windscreen.

4. DON'T DRIVE ON EMPTY
If you drive on empty you will find yourself at the mercy of the petrol station prices. Instead, give yourself enough time and shop around for your petrol. But before you waste half your tank driving around looking for the cheapest place to fill up, we want to let you in on a secret. Websites such as MotorMouth (www.motormouth.com.au) and Fuel Watch (www.fuelwatch.com.au - WA only) can find the cheapest fuel price in your area at the click of a button.

5. DRIVE SENSIBLY
Ok, so it sounds a bit parental, but it is proven that aggressive driving fuelled with heavy stop-start acceleration, regular braking and high speeds can affect your fuel consumption by up to 30%. So keep your acceleration movements gradual and flow with the traffic, it will also help your brakes last longer. And did you know that by driving at 90km/hr instead of 110km/hr you can save up to 10% on fuel consumption? Think of that like a 10% off fuel docket - why wouldn't you do it?!!!

6. SERVICE YOUR CAR
Blocked air filters and valves can increase fuel consumption significantly. Things such as tyre pressure and over-adjusted brakes can cause your car to drag. So even if you can't squeeze in that service, next time you're filling up make sure your tyre pressure is up to scratch with what your car manufacturer recommends and get 3% back on your consumption, not to mention a smoother ride.

7. GET ON YA BIKE!
Take it from our very own Marketing Manager Greer, and go out and get yourself a nice two-wheeler to cruise around town in. All too often we just get in the car and go down to the corner store and waste what could have been a nice stroll, spot of exercise or leisurely bike ride.

8. RE-THINK YOUR TRANSPORT TO WORK
If you're a Cash Doctors customer, you would probably be making the journey to work at least 3 times a week. If you do that by car every day (that's at least 6 journeys a week) you could be clocking up a fair bit of petrol. So rather than the lonely drive, have you considered the other options available to you?

Is your journey walkable, can you ride your bike or is their adequate public transport to get you there. If possible, take advantage of carpools and cut your weekly fuel costs in half! Whatever your situation, think outside the square and brainstorm some other transport options; now that's some fuel for thought.

9. CONVERT YOUR CAR TO GAS
Savings may be achieved by using LPG, depending on current pump prices and the cost of engine conversion so do your research. Some things to consider are: the money back offer from the Australian Government to people who convert their cars; LPG (gas) is a cleaner burning fuel than petrol, so engine life can actually be extended.

LPG fitted vehicles emit around 15% less greenhouse gases, and because LPG is cleaner to run, your engine oil and spark plugs will need changes less often and you can decrease your annual car services so will save money here too.

10. SWITCH OFF THAT ENGINE!
So you've planned ahead, carpooled, pumped up your tyres, avoided over accelerating and even embraced the beautiful day by rolling down the windows; but no matter how you've tried, you're stuck in traffic. The only thing left to do is put your car into neutral gear, or if you're really stuck, switch it off. Just pray that you followed step number 4 and didn't drive on empty!

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