By Sunday Citizen reporter

The cost of motoring has risen significantly in recent years, particularly with the rapid rise in petrol prices. There are however a number of ways in which you can use to reduce the cost of motoring. These 10 tips will help:

1.Get the best deal on clean petrol prices. The price of petrol can vary by as much as 5,000 shillings a litre in local areas. But even if you would like to save, take note that fueling at haphazard stations could lead to adulterated fuel, which will cost you in the long run. 


2. Drive in the highest gear. Driving at high speeds in low gears can result in 45% more fuel being consumed than needed.



3. Keep your tyres pumped up to the correct level. Fuel economy can be improved by up to 5% by keeping your tyres inflated to the correct level. The recommended pressure for your tyres can be found in your vehicle handbook or ask your dealers or mechanic on right information.



 

4. Don’t drive erratically. Constantly accelerating and braking consumes more fuel than smoother driving. Look ahead to anticipate potential road blockages, which will reduce the need for sudden breaking. For peak efficiency don’t push the accelerator down further than one-quarter of the total foot travel.



5. Save money on car insurance. If you work in a company try to use the same insurance as your employer, which will give you the benefit of getting a huge discount. Also you can get insurance as a group for the best deal. 

 


6. Find cheaper parking. Look for a parking that you can pay monthly instead of hourly if you work especially at the city centre. Also park in a secure place to avoid breakages. 

7. Don’t overuse the air conditioning or heater. Overcooling the car and then having to open the windows is a waste of energy and lowers your fuel economy.


 


8. Avoid short journeys. Driving short distances is significantly less fuel efficient than longer journeys. For example, every time your car engine is turned on it is equivalent to idling your engine for one minute. Instead set time aside to walk short distances.



 

9. Share a journey. Sharing a lift into work with one other person slashes your fuel bill by half by allowing you to share the cost of driving. 

10. Close your windows. Having windows open at high speeds creates significant drag meaning that more fuel is used. Even if closing your windows means the air conditioning is required it is still more fuelefficient.