TOP TIPS ON ECONOMY MOTORING

As certain as the sun will rise tomorrow, petrol prices will continue to rise. So the economy-minded motorist has two avenues to explore: seek out the most fuel-efficient cars and learn to drive more efficiently to save money and the environment. But how? Here we describe some useful tips to reduce the cost of your motoring and help the environment!

Modern automobile technology has made great strides in reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, but handling the car correctly is also one of the biggest and often insufficiently explored factors in saving fuel. Anyone who puts even a few of these important hints into practice will reap the benefit in hard cash next time the car is filled up. By making sure that your car is well looked after and by adopting a suitable driving style, it's easy to squeeze the greatest mileage out of every drop of fuel.

As far as the car itself is concerned, regular routine maintenance is essential. It is also important to check the tyre pressure because low-pressure causes increased rolling resistance and costs more money in two areas - in fuel and tyre wear.

Those who are determined to get the maximum fuel economy may choose to inflate the tyres up to one or two tenths of a decimal point above the specified pressure in bar. Another useful tip is not to carry unnecessary ballast around in the boot. A 100-kilogram load can result in increased fuel consumption by more than five mpg in town driving.

For further fuel-saving success, don't leave the roof rack on when you don't need it - everything that worsens the car's aerodynamics also causes it to consume more fuel. Turning off electrical accessories like air conditioning, rear window demister or additional lights also results in fuel saving, because they all use some fuel in their operation.

Look ahead

While on the move, the golden rule is to look well ahead and maintain steady speeds. Unnecessary accelerating and braking not only costs fuel but frayed nerves as well. Accelerate briskly but not aggressively...