by Sarah Belle

Created on: February 10, 2007   Last Updated: May 17, 2007

Save money on petrol with these Top 10 fuel economy tips.

1. Close all windows - An open window, especially at highway speeds, can increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.

2. Use Air Conditioning sparingly Unless the weather is extreme, you might find the fan sufficient for air flow into the vehicle. When the air conditioner is on, it puts extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used and increasing fuel consumption by up to 10%.

3. Keep weight off Anything that weights down your car is burning up extra fuel. Avoid using your car as a storage place for unnecessary equipment and pack lightly for long trips. Remove roof racks when not being used, as they cause significant air drag.

4. Don't idle Turn off your engine when you are waiting for someone or anticipate staying still for more than 1 minute. Just 1 minute of idling uses more fuel than restarting the engine.

5. Avoid high speeds It's tough, I know! But did you know that driving on a highway at 90 km/h uses 25% less fuel than at 110 km/h in most cars?

6.. Drive at a consistent speed Drive smoothly and avoid sudden braking by anticipating changes in the traffic flow ahead. If you have cruise control, use it.

7. Preparation - Ensure that your vehicle is serviced regularly, as poor fuel economy can be caused by dirty air filters, old spark plugs or low fluid levels. Check tire pressures regularly and keep them inflated at the level recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Soft tyres result in up to 5% of your fuel being wasted and they will also wear out quicker.

8. Plan your trip for holiday drives, avoid peak hour traffic if possible. Plan the most direct route before you leave and travel on highways rather than suburban streets as much as possible.

9. Avoid lugging - If you are driving a manual vehicle, go for the next gear as soon as the car can handle it.

10. Purchase a Fuel Efficient Vehicle - When buying a new vehicle, look out for the sticker that rates the vehicle's fuel consumption. You can also visit the Green Vehicle Guide at www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au for more information to help you choose a fuel efficient vehicle.

For more helpful tips on how to save money, visit http://clik.to/smartpiggy

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