COMMENT
Slash Your Petrol Costs!

By Alison Hunt (TMFAlly)
November 30, 2005

Where does your cash go, each month? I'm guessing your mortgage or rent takes a large chunk, followed by bills and groceries. And finally, of course, petrol probably takes its cut. With many households running one or even two cars, the monthly bill for petrol and diesel can be frighteningly high. What's more, the rising cost of fuel has exacerbated the situation. In fact, the Office for National Statistics has even blamed increasing fuel costs for a 0.1% rise in the consumer price index (CPI) in October.

So what can we do to keep down our fuel costs? Unfortunately, we should remember that it's the tax on fuel that causes the biggest sting. Duty and tax account for a whopping 70% of the price of unleaded petrol, and 67% of the price of diesel - there's not much we can do about that. However, there are a few ways in which we can try to reduce our household's fuel bills each month.

1. For a start, make sure you're paying as little per litre of fuel as possible. Although the AA closed it's Petrolbusters site earlier this year, a brand new one has recently sprung up. Register with the Petrolprices.com website and, by plugging in your postcode, it will search for the cheapest unleaded, diesel, LRP, super and LPG in your area.

2. Reduce fuel consumption by getting your car serviced regularly and checking your tyre pressures often - under inflated tyres could be costing you eight per cent more in fuel!

3. Don't carry unnecessary weight. Take off that roof rack if you're not using it and clear out any junk from the boot to reduce your fuel consumption by up to ten per cent.

4. Similarly, if you don't need the air conditioning, don't use it - you could save another ten per cent.

5. Don't use the car for short journeys. Why not try walking instead? You'll get fitter too.

6. When accelerating and braking, do so in a smooth fashion. Harsh acceleration could increase fuel usage by up to ten per cent.

7. If your local supermarket gives a discount on petrol if you spend a certain amount in store, consider saving up shopping trips to qualify.

And finally, if you have two cars in your household but only really need one, consider taking a good hard look at how much that second car is costing you - you may be surprised at how much the tax, insurance, MOT costs, servicing and other bills add up to each year. How many bus/taxi fares/occasional car hires would that saving cover? Alternatively, why not see if there's a car club in your area - you could have access to a car only when you need it. Plus you could avoid those dreaded garage visits!

Follow these tips and save yourself a little on your fuel costs, today!

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