So here’s some good news – it is actually possible to save as you drive and still have money left for a holiday at the end of the year. The flip side is bad roads and errant fuel prices. However your fuel consumption depends heavily on your driving behavior. So, we’ve laid out some tips to help you cut down on your fuel bills and make your ride safer and greener.

We have the top five tips to make sure you save some dough on your fuel bills for the year:

1. Watch the Aggression: Sudden acceleration and hard breaking can increase fuel consumption by as much as 40 percent while toxic emissions can be more than five times higher. Studies have also shown that changing lanes doesn’t result in significantly reduced travel times, so stick to your lane and decrease fuel consumption – and your blood pressure.
2. Use natural Air Conditioning: The verdict’ still out on this one as some studies have found that turning the air conditioning off may reduce fuel consumption only minimally. Don’t sweat it, but if it’s cool enough, switch off the air conditioning and possibly save yet another 10 percent on fuel.
3. Think light: You don’t need to store all 300 pairs of your shoes in the boot! Clear out all the magazines, shoes, golf clubs and clothes that are in your car and you’re off to a slimmer fuel bill. Remember an extra 48 kg of weight can add two percent to your fuel consumption. So adopt a minimalist approach and get rid of all the junk and clutter. A light car equates to a happy, less thirsty car.
   

1. Oxygen needed: Cars do not just run on fuel. They need oxygen too. If air flow is restricted by a clogged air filter (and your engine cannot breath as a result), the car’s performance and fuel economy will suffer. It’s been estimated that you can save eight percent each time you fill up your tank by replacing a bad air filter.
2. Regular’s good: Unless your vehicle is specifically tailored to take advantage of the higher octane level in the premium fuel, you’re potentially wasting money. Go by what is recommended in your owner’s manual. At current prices, you might save up to INR 3000 a year by opting for unleaded instead of premium.

These are some basic tips that are really easy to adhere to without breaking a sweat and you can do yourself a big favor in the cash department. Also, you’ll be helping the environment too in some way.

 Safe and green driving!