ConsumerValue: Energy and Fuel
6. Motoring costs
Fuel prices can fluctuate quite dramatically based on a number of factors, not least of which is the price of oil per barrel on international markets.
While the average consumer can’t influence the international price of fuel, following a number of easy steps can reduce your motoring bills.
What car?
If you are buying a new car, check the Energy and Emissions Label, which by law must be clearly displayed on the car.
Ask the dealer for a copy of the Guide to Passenger Vehicles Fuel Economy and CO2 Emissions which is also available from the Society of the Irish Motoring Industry. Buy the most efficient car that meets your needs and matches your budget.
Sustainable Energy Ireland also has information for helping consumers to make an informed choice when buying a new car.
It lists the fuel consumption, CO2 and other performance figures of cars on the Irish market.
Be price aware
Fuel prices can fluctuate around the average by as much as 5 cent per litre, so it's worth getting into the habit of noticing prices as you drive around.
Consumer law requires that petrol and diesel prices should be visible from the road, so make a mental note of the location of the cheapest outlets on your way to work, on regular visits to family or friends or just in your own locality.
A smart consumer always shops around for the lowest prices and best value. Always favour garages with the cheapest fuel, rather than staying loyal to one outlet or one brand.
Websites such as Pumps.ie allow consumers to input the price of petrol and diesel, thus allowing drivers to check the price of fuel in their locality before they undertake a journey.
Buy in units of litres rather than in units of euros
The prices displayed on forecourt signs in service stations are per litre of petrol or diesel. These show the difference in price per litre from station to station.
So you will get a much better idea of the savings to be had by thinking in terms of the cost of a given amount of petrol, rather than spending a fixed amount.
For example, if you buy 30 litres of fuel instead of €20 worth, the price difference between two garages for the same amount of fuel is much clearer, and could even add up to a few euro.
You should ignore loyalty schemes, bonus schemes etc and just concentrate on price in doing your calculations.
Use fuel wisely
There are lots of sensible and straightforward things you can do in terms of your driving habits, and many involve little effort. They also have the added benefit of helping the environment.
How you drive greatly affects your fuel consumption: the harder you accelerate and brake, the more fuel you burn, so go easy on the pedals.
Driving at a slower speed can dramatically cut costs. For example, if you cut your average speed from 70mph to around 50mph, you will burn about 25% less petrol.
Coming into winter, there will probably be less need for air conditioning, but if you do use it, remember that it also increases fuel consumption. If you don’t really need it, leave it turned off.
Travel light
One of the most basic but simplest tips is to check your car so that you are travelling light.
We’ve all left items in the boot for extended periods. But if there’s weight in those items, the car has to work harder to lug them around. So take them out if they’re not in regular use.
If you have a roof rack that you don’t use regularly, take it off. They not only add to the overall vehicle weight, but also increase the aerodynamic drag, further adding to fuel consumption.
Maintenance pays
Two key areas to keep an eye on are your car's tyres and air filters:
- Keep your tyres at the proper pressure. Well-maintained tyres are far more fuel-efficient
- Clogged air filters increase fuel consumption by restricting airflow to the engine. So have them cleaned regularly and replaced when necessary.
Avoid that trip
Finally, ask yourself whether you really need to take the car.
A large proportion of all car journeys in Ireland are less than two miles long, and walking or cycling is a cheap and clean alternative.
Getting out of the car and walking not only saves petrol - it's great exercise.