Rising Fuel Prices: How to Save Money on Petrol and Diesel
As petrol and diesel prices continue to rise, motorists are feeling the pinch. With prices increasing by 10p per litre already this year, it’s essential to find ways to save money on fuel. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 tips to save money on petrol and diesel, from maintaining the correct tyre pressure to removing unnecessary weight from your vehicle.
The Impact of Rising Fuel Prices
The average price of a litre of petrol has increased by 3p in April alone, adding around £5.50 to the cost of filling a typical 55-litre family car. Diesel drivers are also being “seriously overcharged,” with average prices increasing by 2p per litre in April to 157.8p. These rising prices are not only affecting motorists but also businesses and the economy as a whole.
Top 5 Tips to Save Money on Fuel
1. 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.
Proper tyre pressure can improve fuel efficiency and safety.
2. 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.
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 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.
4. 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.
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.
Removing unnecessary weight can improve fuel efficiency.
The Importance of Regulated Pricing Policies
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 top 5 tips, motorists can save money on petrol and diesel, and with regulated pricing policies, we can work towards a more stable and affordable fuel market.
