Motorists can save more than £200 on fuel over the course of a year by making small changes to their driving styles, according to a price comparison website. Idealo found that savings can be made if drivers are able to increase their car's fuel efficiency by five miles per gallon (MPG).
Financial expert Jordon Cox, dubbed Britain's Coupon Kid, says there are five simple ways people can reduce consumption to hit the figure. These include ensuring your vehicle is not carrying excess weight and planning ahead of long journeys.
It comes as fuel prices have reached record highs amid the cost of living crunch. The average cost of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts on Tuesday was 167.6p, with diesel at 180.9p.
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Idealo's Katy Phillips said: "It’s no secret that fuel prices have contributed heavily to the stress in the cost-of-living crisis. Although we have no control over reducing the price of petrol, we can control our consumption of it, and we hope our money-saving tips will inspire car owners to adjust their driving approach."
How can I increase my car's MPG and save fuel?
Here are Cox's five money-saving tips to increase your car's fuel efficiency:
- Go easy on the pedals – By pressing lightly on the gas and brake, you can use less fuel whilst still hitting the correct speeds. A matter of centimetres less on each pedal could save hundreds per year.
- Lighten your load – If you tend to have a boot full of luggage or goods that don’t need to be there, take them out so your engine has to pump in less fuel to reach target speeds or go up steep inclines.
- Don't overuse air-con – Although in the summer months it can be uncomfortable in the car, air conditioning can significantly increase fuel consumption, especially at lower speeds. When driving slowly, open the windows to circulate airflow through the vehicle instead of opting for the air con.
- Stick to the speed limit – It seems an obvious one, but by sticking to the speed limits, you won’t consume any unnecessary fuel. Driving faster than 70mph in small engine cars will rapidly go through the fuel tank, so don’t be tempted to go over the limit.
- Plan ahead – Rather than relying on a sat-nav, have a quick look at the route beforehand so you lessen your chances of getting lost. Take the route with the shortest distance, not time. Faster journeys normally mean going on a motorway where you might get there earlier but your car will have consumed more fuel while being driven at higher speeds.
