- 28
- May
UK car-owners have been advised that with fuel costs climbing steadily, changing driving habits could result in big savings at the pumps.
According to car insurance provider swiftcover, by taking a number of proactive measures such as avoiding sharp braking and making sure tyres are inflated fully, significant savings can be made. The group asserts that in terms of monthly expenditure, fuel is now placing the third biggest demand on people’s finances, behind mortgage and food costs. Although many people may be considering ditching their car or switching to a smaller model, swiftcover asserts that less dramatic measures can still result in considerable savings.
The first action area identified in its top ten list of fuel-saving tips is to reduce the load a vehicle is carrying. This could include removing roof racks, damaged tyres and other items to reduce the strain placed on the engine. A 100kg load was reported to increase fuel consumption by as much as five miles per gallon. Ensuring tyre pressure is correct is also said to bring considerable savings, with the group asserting that ensuring correct pressure can knock as much as ten per cent off fuel costs.
For those who are planning on buying a new car, taking out a car loan may prove to be of assistance. In using this type of loan, people may be afforded the financial freedom to ensure that their vehicle is right for them. A motor loan may also be of use to those planning repairs for an existing vehicle.
Indeed, swiftcover notes that a poorly-tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by as much as 50 per cent. To combat this, the group recommends putting vehicles in for servicing on a regular basis.
Tina Shortle, spokesperson for the group, said: “Everyone is worried about the cost of living and with petrol prices predicted to soar to 150p a litre by the end of this year, now is the time to change your driving habits. Eco-driving is the new watch-word. Simple things like taking excess weight out of the boot, limiting heavy braking and keeping your car serviced can have a huge effect on cutting your fuel bill.”
Drivers were also advised that knowing how best to keep cool while driving is also important. The firm explained that people should avoid using air conditioning systems while travelling at low speeds and opt to open windows instead. However, it noted that the drag created by leaving windows down while travelling at high speeds had a significant impact on fuel-efficiency. As such, it advises drivers to switch to air conditioning when travelling above 40 miles per hour.
Cutting out short journeys and avoiding rush-hour travel also made the list of recommendations, with consumers also being advised that the speed at which they travel has a significant effect on the amount of petrol used. The firm asserted that travelling between 55 and 65 miles per hour will result in greatest fuel-efficiency.
In a report issued last month, the AA revealed that car insurance is becoming an increasingly problematic motoring cost for many consumers, with the average policy said to set people back 629 pounds and four pence on an annual basis.
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