There is no denying the convenience that comes with owning a personal vehicle. However, you may find it unfeasible to buy a car in Singapore due to the financial commitments that come with owning one. As such, car rental services are your next best option when you need a temporary ride for personal reasons. You are likely to save more money in the long run when you choose to rent a car instead.
However, in addition to the rental fee, renting a car also comes with additional expenses. It is usually mandatory for you to refuel the vehicle before returning it to the rental company once the lease period ends. To minimise your gas cost during your car rental period, let us share five tips to help you save on fuel when you are on the road.
1. Don’t drive at high speed nor accelerate too quickly
If you are looking to keep your gas consumption low, you should avoid driving above 90km/hr. This is because the greater the speed, the more fuel your car consumes. Operating the vehicle at a slow yet steady pace prevents you from having to refuel regularly before returning your rental car.
2. Maintain your tyre pressure at the recommended levels
Apart from your driving speed, your car’s tyre pressure also plays an essential role in determining your gas mileage. Underinflated tyres, caused by insufficient tyre pressure, mean your vehicle will need to put more work into accelerating and maintaining its speed, leading to greater fuel consumption over time.
It is advisable for you to check that the car’s tyres are at the recommended pressure level before leaving the rental firm to ensure your vehicle operates at full efficiency. If you are renting the car for the long term, inspect the tyre pressure regularly and send them in for servicing when required to maintain the recommended tyre pressure.
3. Don’t leave your car idling
It is common to see drivers leave their car idling when they need to exit the vehicle for a short moment. However, it is recommended that you avoid doing so as your car will continue to burn up fuel when it is left idle.
Not only is leaving the car idle detrimental to the environment, but it can also put a strain on the vehicle’s components, causing them to deteriorate over time and stop working.
4. Lighten the vehicle
Avoid any unnecessary bags or equipment that can encumber your vehicle unless necessary. A heavier car requires more energy to propel itself forward, which means greater consumption of gas. Studies have shown that a vehicle’s fuel consumption increase by 1-2% on average for every 45kg added to the car. So, if you wish to increase your fuel economy, always try to travel light.
5. Choose the best route
When possible, always plan out your route in advance before driving to your destination. Not only does this save you time, but it also cuts down on your fuel consumption as you can avoid making any unnecessary detours caused by your unfamiliarity with the area.
Therefore, whenever you opt for a private car rental, you should make it a habit to consult an online map or your GPS so that it can provide you with the best possible route to your destination.
Conclusion
Renting a car can spare you from the high cost of owning a private vehicle. However, you are still responsible for topping up the gas tank regularly to ensure the car has sufficient fuel. To lower your gas expenses, you should keep these tips in mind to ensure you don’t go over your next car rental budget.
For those looking for a hassle-free car rental experience, you can consider engaging the services of Cars and Trips. As the largest car rental platform in Singapore, we work with various local vendors to provide a variety of car options for you. Additionally, you can enjoy the convenience of picking up and driving our rental car from your choice of location!
