Fuel Efficiency: 5 Top Tips to Save Money on Petrol and Diesel This Summer
As wholesale costs continue to fall, retailers’ margins remain persistently high, leaving drivers in the UK paying the price. With prices surging again, it’s essential to adopt money-saving habits to reduce the financial burden of fuel costs.
Rising fuel prices are a concern for many motorists
According to the RAC, retailers’ margins are 14p per litre for petrol and 16p per litre for diesel, far exceeding the long-term average of 8p per litre. This discrepancy means drivers are losing several pounds every time they fill up. RAC figures show retailers are not passing on the savings to consumers.
Top 5 Tips to Save Money on Fuel
Experts from Swansway Motor Group outline five essential tips to reduce fuel costs and keep your hard-earned cash in your pocket.
1. Check Your Tyre Pressure
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is crucial for vehicle efficiency. Underinflated tyres can lower mileage and increase fuel usage. Proper inflation improves vehicle safety and extends their life. It’s recommended to check tyre pressure monthly. Read more about tyre maintenance
Regular tyre checks can improve fuel efficiency
2. Keep Your Windows Closed if Driving Over 40mph
At higher speeds, keeping windows closed reduces aerodynamic drag. While the impact on fuel efficiency can vary depending on vehicle design and driving conditions, reducing drag helps maintain better fuel economy at highway speeds.
3. Turn Off the Air Conditioning
Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by using significant engine power. When you first get into your vehicle, open the window to lower the temperature of the cabin. Then, if you use the air conditioner, it won’t have to work as hard to cool the car down. Likewise, it’s more efficient to switch to air conditioning when driving at speeds over 40mph.
4. Avoid Idling
An idling engine burns fuel without moving, which wastes petrol and increases wear and tear on the engine. To avoid unnecessary fuel consumption, it’s recommended to turn off the engine during prolonged stops.
5. Remove Unnecessary Weight from Your Vehicle
Extra weight in a vehicle causes it to consume more fuel. Reducing the weight can improve the car’s miles per gallon.
Implement these tips to reduce your fuel costs
By following these simple yet effective tips, you can save money on petrol and diesel costs this summer.
