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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Katie Williams

Five ways to save £190 from now until December with car hacks according to experts

The UK inflation rate hit a 40-year high as the cost of living crisis continues.

The rate of inflation reached nine per cent in April, the highest it's been in four decades and millions will be feeling the pinch.

Energy costs and fuel prices have been a catalyst for the rising cost of living and people will be looking for ways to save where they can. Bank of England warns the inflation rate could reach double figures within months.

READ MORE- Last Glasgow to Edinburgh train now hour and half earlier due to Scotrail dispute

According to the latest RAC Fuel Watch data, unleaded petrol costs an average of 168.24p per litre, while diesel stands at 181p per litre.

Experts from Reg Car Check has shared how to save £190.12 by December with five simple hacks.

Pump it up

"Low tyre pressure significantly increases fuel consumption", said James Baker.

"Research suggests that under inflated tyres causes a vehicle to use up to 10 per cent more fuel. The average cars petrol tank is 42 litres with the average household using one full tank a month."

Subsequently, if a household opts to drive with under-inflated tires, they may spend an additional £7.50 a month on fuel. Inflating a cars tyre can save up to £60 by December 22.

Holding it down

"Many of us are used to using our car boot as an additional storage space’, Baker pointed.

"However, it pays to spring clean your car as removing heavy items leads to the vehicle becoming fuel efficient. In fact, driving with an empty roof rack and unnecessary heavy items in the car’s storage spaces can increase fuel costs by 12 per cent. As a result, the average household will spend £60.96 (£7.62 a month) on fuel by December."

21 days to break a habit

It’s suggested that one in five car journeys in the UK are unnecessary as they are under half a mile, a walkable distance for many that choose to drive. The average car uses 23p of fuel per month.

As a result, one unnecessary journey a week will cost the average household £7.36 by December.

Air con guzzles fuel

The UK is set to reach 25 degrees this week, resulting in drivers switching on the air con.

Depending on how fast you are driving, air con can increase fuel consumption by 10 per cent. But don’t roll down the windows just yet, according to Baker, depending on your speed, rolling down the windows may cost you even more!

He said: "Driving with your air conditioning on at a low speed can inflict stress on the car’s engine, leading to extreme fuel consumption.

"Travelling at speeds of up to 60 miles an hour, it’s best to open the vehicles windows. Anything above 60 mph, its cost effective to use your air conditioning. If you arrive at your car and it is hot, open the windows to cool the car before you switch over to the air con. Ensure that your air con is not idly left on when you do not need it as this can cost up to £7.50 per month."

Supermarket Sweep

On average, petrol at a supermarket is 3p a litre cheaper than that of those un-associated to a store.

Barker said: "The average car holds a tank of 42 litres. Filling a tank with petrol that is 3p cheaper results in a saving of £1.26 a month. Over eight months, this is a saving of £10.80".

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