Paying down a car loan requires a little discipline and planning. It is the little things that count, and if you can cut costs back, even if only by a little bit, you’ll end up saving a lot in the long run.
Petrol is one place that you can cut down on your costs if you’re canny. While you’re in the market for a new car and a car loan, take some time to check out the fuel efficiency of the vehicle you’re about to purchase.
Opting for a fuel-efficient vehicle instead of a gas guzzler is the easiest way to cut down petrol costs, however, we realise that isn’t always practical given other needs. With that in mind, the following tips are proven to cut down on your petrol costs.
1 Drive less aggressively: If you keep to the legal speed limit, and don’t alternate between flooring it and slamming on the brakes, you will use less fuel. And, as an added bonus, you’ll save yourself a few costs when it comes to repairs and maintenance AND you’ll be safer as you drive. This is a fact that applies to any type of vehicle.
2 Ditch the roof rack: If you can take off the roof rack some times, it is in your best interests to do so. Anything that increases the wind resistance of your vehicle makes it less aerodynamic and less fuel-efficient. In some cases, you could reduce your petrol bill by as much as 20% simply by lowering the height of a work trailer so that it doesn’t sit above the top of a work ute.
3 Select the right gear for the job: Trucks these days have a green band in their rev counter that lets the driver know when the engine is sitting at its most fuel-efficient. Not the place where it reaches maximum power, the place where it’s most efficient. It’s a pity that cars don’t have this, although today’s eco-friendly cars are starting to pick up the slack. However, all of us can learn by using our ears when our car engine is working too hard or slowing down and heading towards stall speed.
4 Combine trips: Instead of taking one trip to get the kids to sports, then back home, then another trip to the shops and then back home again – consider planning ahead and combining trips.
5 Look at alternatives: This doesn’t always mean public transport, especially if you’ve got a family to transport. However, for shorter journeys, say a couple of kilometres or less, take a bike or walk, as these only burn calories and you can save on gym membership while you’re at it.
6 Go electric: It’s been a tough slog for electric vehicles down under thus far, however, the format has come a long way in a short time, and it is these coming years where the most progress stands to be made. With that in mind, have a look at the latest EVs if you want to ditch petrol and save on running costs. More and more of these cars are arriving in Australia and the good thing is that prices are slowly becoming more affordable.
The Fincar team is here to help you with all your financing needs. Contact us today to help arrange your next car or equipment loan.