The Rising Cost of Fuel: 5 Money-Saving Tips for Motorists

As petrol prices continue to soar, motorists are feeling the pinch. With prices rising by 10p per litre since the start of the year, the cost of filling a typical 55-litre family car has increased by around £5.50. But fear not, dear motorists! Experts from Swansway Motor Group have shared their top 5 money-saving tips to help you navigate these pricey times.

Check Your Tyre Pressure

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is essential for vehicle efficiency. Under-inflated tyres can lower mileage and increase fuel usage. It’s recommended to check tyre pressure monthly, as proper inflation improves vehicle safety and extends their life.

Keep Your Windows Closed at High Speeds

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.

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 are to use the aircon it won’t have to work as hard to cool the car down. Likewise, it’s more efficient to switch to aircon when driving at speeds over 40mph.

Avoid Idling

An idling engine burns fuel without moving, which clearly wastes petrol and increases wear and tear on the engine. It’s recommended to turn off the engine during prolonged stops to avoid unnecessary fuel consumption.

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.

As the experts explained, ‘It’s concerning to see the retailer margins on fuel; unleaded petrol margins have reached 9.5p per litre, and diesel even more dramatically at 18p per litre, which is a significant rise of 6p in April alone.’

“The variability in fuel prices is another pressing issue. Analysis shows that the differences between the cheapest and most expensive fuel ranges from 8p to 36p per litre in supermarket fuel prices at the end of April.

“This not only complicates budgeting for consumers but also highlights the need for more regulated pricing policies to help with such extreme differences”

By following these simple tips, you can save money on fuel and reduce your carbon footprint. Remember, every little bit counts, and making these small changes can add up to make a big difference in the long run.

Fuel prices are on the rise, but with these tips, you can stay ahead of the game.