CAR FUEL SAVINGS

How to Save Money With Your Car Fuel Bill

Eleven Saving Tips

When it comes to saving money, admittedly this one may not always feature at the top of the list. The UAE is, after all, one of the cheapest countries for petrol in the world. Nonetheless, prices have seen increases over recent years and add to this, the tremendous cost to the environment in a country that makes enough of a detrimental impact as it is… and it becomes a responsibility for the community to do their bit.

Here’s how it’s done:

1. Switch Off

‍When you pop into Spinneys for a quick something… or leave your car empty whilst doing the after-school pick up, there is absolutely no need to leave the ignition on. The car may heat up a little yes, but it will also cool down very quickly when back in the car and driving again.

2. Move by Metro

It’s surprising just how many expats have yet to use the metro. The entire system is one of the most efficient, functional, reliable and cost-effective metros in the world and if going to and from places close to a station, it’s incredibly convenient. Oh and the crazy traffic jams during rush hour on SZR become a thing of the past too!

3. Fuel by Foot

‍Bar the summer months, the climate in the UAE is wonderful and increasingly, there are communities where it’s easy and enjoyable to walk. So next time you have a quick trip, ask yourself if it’s really necessary to get into your gas-guzzler for a five minute drive. You may even find that you get there and back home quicker too!

4. School Pool

‍If your kids don’t travel by school bus, why not share a ride with other mums in your community? Just a little forward planning to create a schedule will go a long way in terms of cutting on unnecessary fuel costs and even free up your own schedule too.

5. Go Mini

‍Everyone in the UAE is partial to a giant 4×4 we know. But why? If you don’t go off-road, do you need a giant SUV? If you’re a two-car household, could you do with one smaller car as the city run-around? Big cars use lots of fuel. Small cars do not!

6. Know Your Wheels

Many UAE residents are unable to resist the temptation of buying a Choosing a car with low fuel consumption is an obvious first step, so do your research before you hit the showrooms and compare the fuel efficiency of the cars you’re interested in. Check out websites of the car manufacturers and other online platforms that give unbiased reviews to get a good idea of how thirsty your new set of wheels will be.

7. Prevention Before Cure

Regular maintenance is important too. It’s a false economy to not get your car serviced regularly, especially in the UAE’s harsh climate. Ensure your air filter is kept clean and replaced as soon as it starts to deteriorate. Dirty, clogged air filters restrict airflow to the engine, upping fuel consumption by up to 10%.
Lighten the loa

8. Lighten Up

Anything that’s weighing your car down is costing you unnecessary fuel. You don’t need to get rid of the car’s spare tyre but it’s worth clearing out anything unnecessary from your boot. If you have a roof rack, take it off to reduce weight and unnecessary drag. If you normally keep your surf board, gym kit, weekend camping gear and whatever else, in the boot of your car, could you take it out on the days you’re not using it?

9. Easy Does It

‍OK, this is sometimes tough in the UAE but wherever possible:
• Accelerate gently and read the road ahead to avoid unnecessary braking
• Start the car gently rather than pumping the accelerator
• Avoid bringing the car to a stop whenever possible, as starting from a halt uses more fuel
• Take your time. Driving at 60mph instead of 70mph uses 9% less fuel… of course, on SZR, driving too slow would be dangerous but when on other roads, think about when you can just drive that little bit slower!
• Switch the engine off if you’re stuck in traffic and could be waiting more than three minutes

10. Maintain Your Motor

‍Keeping your car well serviced and maintained will make it more fuel-efficient. This applies particularly to the UAE where cars deteriorate far quicker due to the hot, dry conditions. Car types leak air and this alone, increases fuel consumption by 2%. Low air is also dangerous so don’t leave your tyre pressure check to your annual visit to reregister your car… get them checked and pumped up every month or so at any gas station.

11. Plan ahead

Avoid tailgating, which inevitably leads to sudden braking. Wherever possible, plan your journey in advance to find the shortest route and to avoid traffic. Try to use your car, when possible, during off-peak hours too so not caught in unnecessary traffic queues. And if out running errands, try to get as much done as possible. A cold engine uses up more fuel than a warm one so a long, multi-purpose trip is far more efficient.