Everyone who owns a car can expect to see £395 less in their bank accounts this year, according to new figures.
Motorpoint predicts the average car owner will spend £2,261 on petrol or diesel this year. This is up from £1,866 last year, a rise of £395.
In January 2023, drivers reported spending £8.59 more when visiting the petrol station compared to the same time period one year earlier, a 21% increase in the amount being spent at the pump.
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Tim Rodie, driving expert at Motorpoint, recommends taking steps to be more fuel efficient. He said: "No matter the car you drive, there are small changes you can make to your driving habits that can help with fuel economy, allowing you to go further between fill ups".
Motorpoint found that 76% of drivers could be doing more to reduce their fuel consumption. To help avoid overspending on petrol or diesel, Tim recommends:
Emptying the boot
“It can be really temping to leave things in your boot to save you making multiple trips to the car, but this won’t be doing your bank balance any favours. Ultimately, the lighter your car is, the less fuel you’ll need to drive it.
“The same goes for bike racks and roof boxes you aren’t using. They might be a pain to remove but increased drag and extra weight means your car must work harder to get you where you need to go.”
Reconsidering temperature
“Running the air-conditioning system can really be a drain on your fuel. Unless you absolutely need it, I would suggest trying to do without.
“The same does for driving with the windows down. While it can be nice to get some fresh air in your car, open windows make your car less aerodynamic, meaning your car needs to work harder and will use more fuel.
“Sometimes, you need to be able to warm up or cool down your car to make your trips more comfortable. As a general rule, opening your windows is best when driving around at lower speeds and air-conditioning is more efficient if you’re on the motorway.”
Driving like you’re taking your test
“Over time, we all pick up bad habits, but driving like you did when you took your test can really help with fuel efficiency.
“Sticking to the speed limit, anticipating what is going to happen on the road in front of you and easing into the accelerator are all really easy ways to help you preserve fuel.”
Keeping on top of car maintenance
“Keeping on top of your service schedule and regularly checking your tyres aren’t only important for your safety but help make sure that your vehicle is as efficient as possible.
“Normal wear and tear can have a real impact on fuel consumption, so it’s definitely worth checking that your tyres are properly inflated at least once a month and getting your service booked in as soon as it’s due.”
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