Fuel prices have a way of draining your wallet before you even notice what’s happening.
No one enjoys spending more at the petrol station than they have to, yet many drivers unknowingly burn extra fuel every single day.+See more details
You might think you’re doing everything right, but small habits behind the wheel can quietly add up to more trips to the pump.
If you’ve ever pushed your luck with the fuel warning light or chosen a filling station just because it’s a few cents cheaper, you’re already aware of how painful fuel costs can be.
What you may not realise is that your driving habits could be making things worse.
Heavy Foot, Heavy Fuel Use
Speeding off from traffic lights like you’re on a racetrack might feel satisfying, but it’s one of the quickest ways to burn fuel. Sudden acceleration forces the engine to work harder than necessary, which means more petrol gets used. The same thing happens on the highway when you constantly speed up and slow down. Smooth, steady driving saves far more fuel than aggressive bursts of speed.
Driving Too Fast Costs More Than Time
Yes, time is money, but speeding costs both. Driving at higher speeds increases fuel consumption significantly. The faster you go, the harder your engine works. Sometimes arriving a few minutes earlier simply isn’t worth the extra fuel burned along the way.
Driving Without a Plan
In a world filled with GPS apps and traffic updates, driving without a plan is almost guaranteed to waste fuel. Getting stuck in traffic, hitting roadworks, or circling unfamiliar streets all lead to unnecessary petrol use. A quick check of traffic conditions and parking options before you leave can save both time and money.
Carrying More Weight Than You Need
Your engine doesn’t just move the car, it moves everything inside it. Extra weight means extra fuel. Old boxes in the boot, unused equipment, or heavy items you don’t need on a daily basis all add strain to your engine. Roof racks are another silent fuel killer. They reduce aerodynamics, increase drag, and force your engine to work harder. If you’re not using them, take them off.
Incorrect Tyre Pressure
Under-inflated tyres don’t just affect safety, they increase fuel consumption too. When tyres aren’t properly inflated, the car has to work harder to move forward. Poor wheel alignment adds even more resistance, making your engine burn extra fuel just to keep going smoothly.
Driving in the Wrong Gear
Every gear has a speed range it works best in. Staying in the wrong gear for too long puts unnecessary strain on the engine. If your car sounds like it’s struggling, it probably is, and that struggle costs fuel. Listening to your engine can tell you when it’s time to shift.
Letting the Engine Idle
Leaving your car running while waiting for someone or sitting parked with the aircon on may feel harmless, but it wastes fuel fast. Idling burns petrol without taking you anywhere. In some areas, it’s already restricted, and with environmental concerns growing, it’s becoming less acceptable. Switching off saves fuel and money instantly.
Driving When You Don’t Need To
Short trips that could easily be walked are another hidden fuel drain. Driving to a nearby shop instead of walking not only wastes petrol but also adds unnecessary wear to your engine. Sometimes the best fuel-saving move is leaving the car behind.
Driving a Fuel-Hungry Car
Your car itself might be part of the problem. While modern vehicles are far more fuel-efficient, older or luxury cars often consume more fuel than expected.
Hybrid technology and newer engines can significantly reduce fuel costs.+See more details
Sentiment is understandable, but rising fuel prices have a way of making practicality matter more.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
