Drivers warned against ‘incredibly dangerous’ fuel-saving tip that is spreading online
DRIVERS have been warned against an “incredibly dangerous” fuel saving tip that has been doing the rounds online.
The hack is presented on social media as a way to save money on spiralling fuel prices, but has been described by experts as “wholly irresponsible”.
The dodgy advice suggests tailgating, or ‘slipstreaming’ behind a vehicle in front, often a large lorry.
In theory this increases fuel economy and reduces consumption because the car ahead punches a hole in the air, meaning that your vehicle faces less air resistance and doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain speed.
While slipstreaming is a principle used to great effect in motorsport, it certainly should not be attempted on a public road, according to car experts.
This is because, in order to benefit from the slipstream, you would have to follow the vehicle in front very closely, usually within a few feet.
Graham Conway, Managing Director of Select Car Leasing, explained the danger of this trick to The Express.
He said: “The fuel-saving hack is wholly irresponsible and incredibly dangerous – not just for the driver doing it but for all road users.
“The idea is that the closer you tailgate, the more fuel you’ll save. But the dangers here should be all too obvious.
“If the vehicle in front has to stop suddenly, you’re looking at a potentially life-threatening situation, where a collision could result in collateral damage impacting many different road users.
“However pricey fuel might be right now, this so-called ‘advice’ should never, ever be followed.”
He begged drivers to ignore the advice “under any circumstances” due to the risk involved.
The most recent data from the RAC’s Fuel Watch shows that little change in fuel prices is expected in the near future.
The average price is 148.2p per litre for petrol and 168.48p per litre for diesel.
It comes as the RAC warned that fuel retailers are not passing on a fall in wholesale fuel prices to consumers, accusing them of keeping prices “artificially high”.
RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “This is a galling situation for drivers who are struggling more than ever given the impacts of the wider cost of living crisis.
“Looking at current wholesale costs there is absolutely no justification for pump prices to rise.”
In response, and after many calls from The Sun’s Keep It Down campaign, it was revealed that MP’s are planning to create a Pumpwatch regulator to end petrol price rip-offs.