by Anne StClair

Created on: October 28, 2008   Last Updated: May 14, 2009

There are many ways to save money on fuel. If you have a gas-guzzler, by far the best way to save money is to get rid of it and buy a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle (preferably a hybrid), while you still can. (As times get tougher, it will become more and more difficult to find willing buyers for any big gas-guzzling vehicle.) If you are buying another car, consider a manual transmission, since they use less fuel, and buy a second-hand one to maximise your savings.

Alternatively, if LPG or natural gas is available where you live, convert your vehicle to a real gas car! Fuel efficiency is slightly less, but the price is significantly lower, so you will still save plenty of money. Other alternatives worth investigating include bio-diesel, electric, and hydrogen. You could also move house to live closer to work, shops and schools.

You will also save a lot of money if you use alternatives such as public transport, walking, cycling, motorcycling, or car pooling. Fuel vouchers or dockets can save you money provided you do not have to drive out of your way to redeem them and provided the outlet has lower prices. In many areas the price of fuel changes during the week. Where I live, for example, I can save a lot of money by buying fuel on a Tuesday, which is the cheapest day for petrol here.

There are many other ways to save money on fuel in any vehicle, including driving more slowly, keeping your vehicle serviced, and reducing idling time.

DRIVE MORE SLOWLY

Recent tests done by the What Car?' magazine in the UK found that the most efficient speeds for all cars tested were below 40 mph (about 70kph). They also found the average car used up to 38% more fuel at 70mph than at 50mph. So, to save money on fuel, ease off the accelerator.

Driving slowly has other benefits besides saving on fuel because it also saves wear and tear on the brakes, not to mention your nerves, and you are less likely to have an accident, and if you have one, are less likely to be killed. You will never get another speeding ticket either.

KEEP YOUR VEHICLE SERVICED

A well-maintained vehicle uses up to 10-15% less fuel. Make sure the air filter is replaced regularly, because a dirty or blocked air filter reduces fuel efficiency significantly.

CHANGE THE WAY YOU FILL UP

Gasoline evaporates, so keep the amount of air in your tank to the minimum by filling up when the tank is half-full. This will reduce evaporation. Fill up in the morning, when the fuel is coolest (and therefore more

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