Owning a car can be one of our biggest personal expenses.

Many of us don’t have the option to not own one, but there are still many ways to save money on driving and maintaining our vehicles.

Let’s discuss a few of the best places to start saving money on our car expenses.

How To Save Money On Your Vehicle

Basic Tips For Saving Money On Your Vehicle

• Buy the right vehicle that suits your needs.
• Perform basic car maintenance yourself.
• Develop good driving habits.
• Drive your vehicle gently when it is cold.
• Drive less where possible.
• Try buying a used vehicle.
• Check your tire pressure regularly.
• Try to reduce your car insurance expense.

What Speed Gives The Best Gas Mileage?

The Energy Saving Trust says that the most efficient speed you can travel in a car in terms of achieving the best fuel economy is about 55-65mph.  (55 mph = apx. 89 km/h)

Going any faster, though, and the fuel efficiency decreases rapidly. For example, driving at 85mph uses 40% more fuel than at 70mph. (Source: www.theguardian.com)

What Are Some Ways To Improve Fuel Efficiency?

• Avoid high speeds.
• Coast to decelerate.
• Accelerate gently.
• Maintain a constant speed.
• Anticipate traffic ahead.
• Avoid unnecessary idling.
• Measure tire pressure regularly.
• Use manual transmission properly.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
• Use air conditioning sparingly

Use Air Conditioning Sparingly

Air conditioning can increase a vehicle’s fuel consumption by as much as 20%.

Open the windows when you’re driving in a town or city, and use the flow-through ventilation system with the windows up on the highway. If you do use air conditioning, use the re-circulate option. It can minimize the impact.

Try Combining Trips

Longer excursions will let your vehicle’s engine warm up to its most fuel-efficient temperature.

• Run your errands one after the other.
• Plan your route to avoid backtracking or rush-hour traffic.

Save By Driving Less

One way to reduce fuel consumption is to drive less. Other options include:

• Try using public transit.
• Join a car pool.
• Walk or bike to your destination if possible.

Does Going Slower Save Gas?

Slow down and try driving conservatively. Reducing your speed can improve fuel economy by 7%–14%.

Using cruise control on the highway can also help drivers maintain a constant speed. Vehicles use the most energy when accelerating. (Source: www.afdc.energy.gov)

Does Cruise Control Save Gas?

Yes, generally speaking cruise control can help you become more fuel-efficient and can help you save an average of 7-14% on gas thanks to its ability to maintain a constant speed.

In comparison, the constant change in acceleration and deceleration of the driver placing their foot over the pedals can eat up more gas. (Source: http://www.kia.com)

What Wastes The Most Gas In A Car?

Aggressive driving such as speeding, rapid acceleration and braking, wastes gas.

It can lower your gas mileage by roughly 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic. There are now driver feedback devices that can help you drive more efficiently. (Source: www.fueleconomy.gov)

Some Ways To Winterize Your Car For Winter Driving Safety

• Keep washer fluid full.
• Pack a winter safety kit.
• Install winter wipers.
• Get your vehicle serviced for winter conditions.
• Switch to winter tires or all-seasons if appropriate.
• Check and maintain tire pressure.
• Keep the gas tank at least half full.

How To Prepare A Winter Emergency Car Kit

• First aid kit.
• Water.
• Blanket.
• Winter hat, gloves.
• Small shovel, scraper and snowbrush.
• Candle and matches.
• Non-perishable foods, such as energy bars.
• Keep an extra coat and boots.

Don’t Pay For Premium Fuel If Your Engine Doesn’t Require It

Retailers claim these fuels offer performance and economy advantages, while cleaning and protecting your engine.

In reality, unless you’re driving a performance vehicle, you’re unlikely to see any improvements by using fuel with a higher octane rating. (Source: www.rac.co.uk)

Final Thoughts:

The reality is that owning and maintaining a vehicle can get expensive. 

For many of us, driving is a necessary fact of life, so I hope the few simple saving tips we’ve discussed can help lessen the impact for you.

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