How to save on driving
Want to save money on driving? The potential for savings is usually great – even for small cars. Read on to find out how to significantly reduce your car expenses.
18.08.2023
iStock / Thomas Faull
1. Minimize upkeep costs
Whenever you use your vehicle, wear occurs. The tyres lose their profile, the brakes their lining and operating fluids such as engine oil lose their original properties. A certain ageing process takes place even if the car is not moved at all.
A regular car service is therefore imperative. However: the prices for parts and the hourly rates vary widely depending on the garage and region. It’s therefore worth comparing. It’s best to get several quotes in advance for upcoming work.
2. Keep an eye on fuel prices
There is also potential for savings when refuelling. The price difference between a fuel pump in the countryside and a motorway service station on a main traffic route may well be 30 cents per litre. Even adjacent fuel stations sometimes offer different rates. If you keep an eye on fuel prices, you can drive for less.
But please note: to save on refuelling, you should not take a detour for a fuel station. This protects neither the environment nor your wallet. After all, you will also need extra fuel for the extra kilometres.
Fuel price comparison in Switzerland
Fuel prices vary substantially depending on the region and the provider. The Comparis Fuel Price Radar provides an overview of fuel station prices in Switzerland.
3. Eco-driving: how it works
Whether petrol or diesel: with a few tricks at the wheel, a car’s thirst for fuel can be significantly reduced. This is especially true for models with manual transmission.
The most important steps are:
| Switch up gears quickly | Accelerate swiftly and then quickly switch into the highest gear possible. |
|---|---|
| Allow the car to roll forwards | For example, let your car roll forwards when approaching crossings, traffic lights and downhill with the gear engaged. This way, you can make the best possible use of the speed you have already built up. |
| Drive with foresight | In general, it is important to drive proactively and defensively. This means you can avoid frequent and abrupt braking manoeuvres and do not have to rebuild the lost speed with the accelerator pedal every time. You also protect the brake pads, which in turn has a positive effect on costs. |
| Technical features | Technical features such as a special eco mode further reduce fuel consumption. |
4. Drop any unnecessary ballast
The weight significantly influences fuel consumption. Remove ballast from the boot and disassemble accessories such as roof rack, roof boxes or rear rack when not in use. Important: if your car has a significantly lower weight overall, you should usually lower the tyre pressure.
5. Adjust the tyre pressure optimally
With optimal tire pressure, you not only drive safer, but also more efficiently.
Information on the recommended tyre pressure can usually be found on the inside of the fuel cap, on the driver or passenger door or on a sticker in the glove compartment.
Check the pressure regularly and take action before the pressure becomes too low. If you are not familiar with the subject, it is best to ask your car dealer.
And finally: choose a fuel-efficient car
When buying a car, consider the fuel consumption and the associated costs. This way, you can avoid nasty surprises at the fuel station.
This article was first published on 07.07.2020
