Owning a car is a great thing. You get the freedom and independence of being able to drive wherever you like. However, like everything in life, it comes at a cost. Fuel prices always seem to be rising. Even when they go down, it’s never for long. So, one of your biggest expenses when owning a car is your fuel consumption.

If you want to save fuel, these tips will help to put a little extra money back in your pocket.

Decrease wind resistance

Wind resistance means your car has to work harder, and this uses more fuel. So, if you carry large items on the roof such as a carry-box, or even just having roof racks set up when you don’t need them, try to remove them where possible. It will increase how aerodynamic your car is, and save you money in the process. You can also achieve some savings by closing the windows when travelling at high speed.

Slow down while driving

It might sound obvious, but slowing down can make your car use less fuel. Most highways in Australia only allow you to go at 110kmh, which is ok for your fuel consumption. If you push the limit and go faster, you’ll use more fuel. Drop the speed to below 100kmh, and you’ll save a little more.

Change gears efficiently

If you’re driving a manual vehicle, the way you change gears can affect fuel consumption. The more revolutions per minute (revs) your car does, the more fuel it burns. So, try to get to your higher gears more quickly where possible. Letting your car rev to 2500 – 3000rpms before changing gears is a certain way to burn through your fuel.

Reduce air conditioner use

It’s not a huge impact, but running your air-conditioner does contribute to fuel consumption. If you’ve got the option to open the windows on a hot day instead of cranking the A/C, it will save you a few dollars!

Lower your car’s weight

Naturally, the heavier your car is, the harder your engine has to work to reach your desired speed. This results in higher fuel consumption. So, if you’ve got non-essential items in the car, get rid of them. Having a boot full of junk is inconvenient, but it can also be costing you more money on fuel.

Use these tips each day, and you might be amazed at how much longer your fuel tank lasts before refilling!