Pump Smart: Tips for Saving Money at the Gas Station
Motorists had a reprieve this summer, avoiding the sky-high fuel prices that plagued them earlier in the year. But rising crude oil prices and excise duties continue to weigh on drivers, making every fuel refill a reminder of the strain on their wallets. While we can’t control global economic factors, understanding smart filling strategies can help minimize the pain at the pump.
Beyond How You Fuel: Habits So Your Car Consumes Less
Beyond just how you fill up, there are driving habits that can maximize your fuel efficiency and save you money at the pump in the long run. Turning off your engine when idling, whether at traffic lights or in long queues, can make a difference. Maintaining a constant speed is also key – accelerating and braking aggressively burns more fuel.
Tire pressure also plays a significant role: well-inflated tires improve fuel efficiency. According to experts, these simple adjustments can reduce consumption by up to 2%.
The benefits of these practices extend beyond your budget, contributing to reduced polluting emissions. While we still rely on fossil fuels, even small efforts to reduce consumption matter.
A Focus on Liters: The Best Way to Refuel
The way you choose to fuel up can significantly impact your gas budget and vehicle performance. Should you fuel based on the money spent or the liters you pump? According to Profeco, the Federal Consumer Protection Agency, there’s no doubt: fueling by the liter is the more accurate approach.
Fueling by the liter provides greater precision in the quantity dispensed and reduces the chances of inconsistencies compared to fueling based on a specific amount of money. Profeco has identified 20-liter intervals as an optimal choice for fueling.
The Advantages of Liter-Based Fueling
Fueling by the liter offers several advantages. It allows for more accurate monitoring of the amount of fuel used, providing greater control over your refueling strategy. You have the flexibility to fill your tank completely, regardless of fluctuating petrol prices, avoiding the need to constantly monitor pump prices or worry about incomplete refills.
This method also promotes more efficient budget planning. For motorists who want to optimize their fuel expenses even further, the Profeco app is a valuable tool. It can help you locate petrol stations with the most convenient prices within a 19-kilometre radius and report any irregularities in fuel pricing or service.
How can properly inflated tires impact fuel efficiency?
## Pump Smart: Pump Up Your Savings?
**Host:** Welcome back to _Pump Smart_, your guide to navigating today’s gas prices. With fuel costs still a significant concern for drivers, we’re focusing on practical tips to make your money go further. Joining us today is Alex Reed, automotive expert and consumer advocate. Welcome to the show.
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me!
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. We know gas prices fluctuate, but are there any driving habits that can help us save regardless of the price at the pump?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. A lot of it comes down to maximizing your vehicle’s efficiency.
Firstly, avoid excessive idling. Turning off your engine while waiting at a red light or in traffic can make a surprising difference. Secondly, try to maintain a consistent speed. Harsh acceleration and braking guzzle fuel.
**Host:** Those seem like simple changes, but do they really make a significant impact?
**Alex Reed:** You bet! That’s what makes them so powerful. [1](https://www.mobil.com/en/sap/personal-vehicles/car/vehicle-maintenance/reduce-fuel-consumption) highlights how tire pressure specifically affects fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires create more friction on the road, essentially making your engine work harder – and use more fuel. Keeping your tires properly inflated can save you up to 2% on fuel costs, and that adds up over time.
**Host:** That’s fantastic! Small changes with big results. Thanks for sharing those insightful tips with us today, Alex Reed. We appreciate your expertise.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure! Remember, every little bit helps when it comes to saving at the pump.
