Being a young driver can be expensive, and with buying your first car, car insurance and road tax to think about, there’s often not a lot left to fill 
it up with! This guide will help you to save money on fuel with a few simple tips. Make your student loan stretch a little further and keep your car on the road with this guide from PassSmart.
Quit the rally style driving
You might have dreams of flying around a race track in your Lamborghini one day, but your local high street isn’t the place to practice. Cutting out fast acceleration and harsh braking will significantly reduce your fuel consumption, so make sure you’re not too heavy footed.
Instead of slamming your brakes on at traffic lights, take your foot off the accelerator and slow down gradually. Your passengers will appreciate your new, gentle driving style too!
Lose the excess weight
Driving around with excess weight in the car will cause you to burn fuel faster. So, if you’ve got your gym bag, folders and textbooks in the boot for storage, take them out.
It might mean you have to spend a couple more minutes getting your stuff together in the morning, but it will be worth it when it comes to paying at the pumps.
Share the designated driver role
It’s always a good idea to have a designated driver on a night out, but make sure you take it in turns. There’s no point in saving money on taxis if you’re going to be footing the bill at the forecourt.
You could also cut a deal with your mates. The driver has their entry and/or soft drinks paid for all night, and you can return the favour next time they’re designated driver.
Don’t be afraid to ask for petrol money, especially if you’re giving someone regular lifts. It’s only fair, and most people will be happy to pay their way.
Maintain your vehicle
Car maintenance may be an added cost you think you could do without, but when it comes to saving money on petrol, it’s important to spend in the short term to save in the long term.
Tyres, for example, can significantly reduce your fuel efficiency, if they’re under-inflated or don’t have enough tread. You should check them regularly because, not only will you spend more on fuel, but it’s also very dangerous and, if they fall beneath a certain standard, could be illegal.
Checking under your bonnet is also important, because maintaining your engine will help you to maintain your bank balance. You should regularly check oil and fluid levels in order to make sure everything keeps running smoothly. If you don’t keep your engine serviced and in good working order, you could be landed with a very hefty repair bill.
Use your legs!
Cars are convenient, but we all need to use our legs from time to time. Ask yourself whether you really do need to use the car, and, if you don’t, walk instead!
Walking gives you a good chance to get some exercise in and it doesn’t cost you anything! As well as saving on money on fuel, you’ll also save yourself some pennies if you usually have to pay and display.
This post was written by Isabelle from PassSmart.com. PassSmart are a UK-based company who help learner drivers to find driving instructors in their area.