Public transport is your best ally for cutting costs. But, occasionally you have no choice but to use the car to drive to work, uni or other places that can’t be easily reached by public transport.

The ups and downs in petrol and diesel prices are causing more damage than they ought to people’s pockets. There is very little you can do to save on the price of fuel, but if you modify the way you drive, you will be able to use less fuel and therefore, save more.

These are not miracle tricks to half your petrol expenses. These are some very simple tips, which if combined, will help you cut costs. Plus, the philosophy of these tips revolves around driving slowly, which is the key idea to improving safety on the road.

Saving from first gear

From the moment you start the car, you can start saving: don’t hit the accelerator. If your car runs on petrol, start in gear immediately. If it runs on diesel, wait a few seconds. In both cases, switch to second gear immediately.

You must remember that your vehicle’s engine is still cold at the start of your journey, so it’s not a good idea to suddenly speed up since you’ll reduce its performance and increase consumption.

When the engine warms up, you should keep an eye on the revs. Petrol vehicles ideally should be at 2,000-2,500 rpm, while diesel vehicles should be at 1,500-2,000.

Calm and foresight

As for speed, it’s best not to exceed 100km/h. Once this speed has been reached, consumption shoots up. You will also be safer if you don’t go over this limit.

Get used to driving slowly and especially, with foresight. This last bit is very important as you’ll be able to foresee sudden braking and acceleration and unnecessary gear changes.

By following these tips, you can reduce your fuel costs by 15% and contribute to a longer life for your car. Not bad!

Images | *Zara and Libertinus