As fuel costs continue to rise, one in six drivers are keeping their car heating off in an effort to save money, according to a new survey.
A poll conducted by Opinium Research examined 2,000 British drivers to uncover the habits motorists are undertaking to reduce fuel usage. Car owners were recently warned that the price of fuel is expected to jump even further this year, potentially costing them an extra £395 annually.
While 16 per cent admitted to not turning on the heating, despite the recent cold snap, findings indicate that not driving too fast is the most common fuel cutting tactic, as 55 per cent of participants admitting to doing so.
Opinions on whether switching off the car's heating saves fuel are mixed. However, the RAC backs the theory and advises any driver seeking to improve their fuel efficiency to “dress for the weather even inside your car”.
Andrew Webb, managing director of Vitality Car Insurance, who commissioned the survey said: “Our research shows that Brits are prepared to do a wide range of things in order to save money, with some even going as far as turning off the heating in their car despite the cold snap.
“For those looking to save, reducing speed – where safe – is generally the most effective way to cut down on fuel consumption. By modifying your driving habits in order to save on fuel, in many cases you are actually being a safer driver.
“This could be used to reduce your car insurance premium.”
Other ways of cutting petrol and diesel bills include keeping tyres inflated to the correct level, according to 51 per cent of those surveyed, while 29 per cent say they remove unnecessary items and 22 per cent keep windows closed.
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