7 December 2016 · Buyer Advice
7 Simple Steps to More Affordable Driving | Phil Gilbert Toyota
1. Steady Eddie
Try and maintain a steady driving pace as much as possible to reduce fuel wastage. In a manual, be sure to choose the right gear for your conditions. Be alert to your surrounding and other drivers’ behaviour at all times. This will keep you safe and reduce the need for sudden braking, which increases fuel consumption and wear on your car.
2. Dial Back Your Aggression
Aggressive driving habits such as excessive speed, abrupt braking and heavy-footed acceleration will lead to higher fuel consumption and more emissions. Reckless driving also increases the likelihood of being involved in an accident. This will cost you in the short term and may cause your car insurance premium to rise if you are the at-fault driver.
3. Turn off Your Air Conditioning
In summer and winter, air conditioning can be a necessity, but don’t overuse it as it greatly increases fuel consumption. Leave it on until the car is comfortable and then switch it off. In summer, sometimes winding the windows down can be just as effective and the fresh air can be invigorating.
4. Lighten the Load
Increase your fuel economy by removing excess weight from your motor vehicle – a common culprit is a boot full of heavy tools and equipment that is rarely used. Also remove any attachments such as heavy roof racks that are only needed occasionally; these can add to the weight of your car and increase wind resistance, further reducing your fuel economy.
5. Maintain Your Car
Whether you have purchased a new or used car, it’s important that you take the time to maintain it on a regular basis. Check your tyre pressure, rotate your tyres often, and replace dirty air filters to improve your motor vehicle’s engine efficiency. You can do a lot of this yourself, but if your tyres have become misaligned or out of balance you’ll need professional help.
6. Get Regular Services
You should have your car booked in for servicing on a regular basis. Every six months is usually acceptable, but make sure you check the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. This will save you money by picking up problems early on and keeping your car in good condition. It may also be necessary to comply with your warranty.
If you need a Toyota car service in Sydney, Phil Gilbert provides unparalleled Toyota genuine services.
7. Plan Your Routes Carefully
If possible, try to avoid getting stuck in traffic jams during peak hour. Constant stopping and starting can be very costly on fuel and it adds stress to engine components. To avoid traffic jams, plan ahead and travel on alternative routes that are less congested.
Book your car in for a service with Phil Gilbert Toyota and experience the Toyota Service Advantage. If you’re looking more affordable ride, check out our new and used models or talk to our team today.
