Having trouble figuring out how to save money on fuel? The UAE has witnessed a constant rise in petrol and diesel prices since the beginning of this year, as OPEC and non-OPEC suppliers have reduced the supply of oil, and this has led to an increment in the global oil prices. The fuel prices have again been increased in March 2017. The Bank of America Merrill Lynch predicted that by 2022, an oil barrel could cost between $50-$70. In a situation like this, we need to save every fil. So, here are our 7 best tips to lower fuel cost.
- Optimize A/C Usage
It is almost impossible to drive under the sun of UAE without AC. However, at certain times such as the late evening or early morning, you can roll down the windows a little at lower speed. If your car has been under the sun for long, do not switch on AC as you start your journey. Open the windows to let the air circulate inside and drop down the temperature.
- Drive at an Optimal Speed
A car’s optimal speed is usually between 88 km/h and 100 km/h. Anything above that and your car will consume high amount of fuel, thus increasing your fuel cost. Drive patiently, keep good distance from the car ahead and accelerate steadily to lower fuel cost.
- Turn Off Your Engine
It appears to be a norm in the UAE to leave the engine running in the idle state. Perhaps, you have popped into a shop or waiting for someone. Switch your vehicle’s engine off to save the fuel and simply restart it when you are ready to go. Surely, it can’t happen when you are sitting inside the car under the sun, but it can be done when you are out of the car. Keep this advice in mind:
“If you are going to be parked for more than 10 seconds, turn off the engine. Ten seconds of idling can use more fuel than turning off the engine and restarting it”. (Natural Resources Canada).
- Evade Sudden Acceleration/Deceleration
Avoid sudden acceleration/deacceleration to save fuel and money on car’s maintenance. Moreover, it will be good for tires to live long.
- Map Your Route
Being here you know the rush hours and the roads which are mostly blocked. Therefore, pick the route with less traffic and maintain a constant speed to preserve fuel.
- Use Alternative Modes of Transportation
Going for a night out with friends? Consider using Metro, bus, or better carpool. As this time of the year is not very hot, you may choose to walk short distances to run errands like shopping grocery or withdrawing money at the ATM.
- No Need to Warm Your Car
Sorry for the wrong subtitle, you do need to warm up your car. However, you should not warm it up for more than half a minute. Yeah that’s enough to lower fuel cost.