Four driving tips to help you save at the pumps as petrol costs remain stubbornly high
FILLING up your motor really is a serious hit to the wallet.
Petrol is now an average 153.60p per litre and diesel 160.59p, according to the latest RAC data.
But you can help reduce how quickly your car burns fuel.
Here’s how to save cash with a few simple changes . . .
TOP GEAR: Shifting quickly into the highest possible gear and with the lowest feasible revs is one of the biggest ways to get more mileage out of your fuel.
Anticipating the road ahead so that you avoid slowing down and accelerating again also saves fuel.
Of course, its important to drive safely and keeping within speed limits at all times.
Experts estimate changing your style of driving could save over a £100 a year.
PUMP IT UP: Make sure you have the correct level of air pressure.
Under-inflated tyres are one of the most neglected car maintenance tasks and could cost you up to £60 extra a year on fuel, according to motoring expert Sal Patel from Finest Car Mats.
Most local petrol stations have a tyre pump so you can inflate to the correct level — and it only takes a couple of minutes.
CLEAR OUT: Many of us end up leaving belongings such as buggies in the boot of the car.
But the extra weight means your engine has to work harder and burns through more fuel.
A cluttered car could be costing you £12 to £24 in fuel each year, Sal estimates.
He says: “If you have sports equipment, camping supplies or anything bulky in your boot and you don’t need it, store it at home to save a few pounds.”
RACK OFF: Roof racks are great when you’re going on a trip that requires extra gear or storage.
But they act as a drag on your motor, using more fuel.
Remove the rack and only use when you need it to save.
You should also keep windows up, especially when driving faster, to help reduce drag.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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