Carrentals.co.uk advises drivers to get savvy to avoid hefty fuel charges
With the Bank Holiday weekend tipped to see fuel prices return to a high of £1.20 a litre, leading comparator Carrentals.co.uk is offering British motorists its top tips to help keep the costs of fuel down.
Gareth Robinson, Managing Director of Carrentals.co.uk, says: “Fuel prices have remained fairly consistent throughout the summer, with many of us hoping that the peak seen in May was a thing of the past. Unfortunately it looks like prices will soon be back up to above £1.20 a litre, making it all the more important for people to drive as economically as they can.
“By slightly changing their driving style or making a few small alterations to their vehicle, motorists could make a big difference to the amount of fuel consumed, helping them fill up less frequently and allowing them to pocket the savings.”
Carrentals.co.uk’s top 10 tips on how to save money on fuel -
1) Take it Steady – Reducing speed will save a significant amount of petrol – by reducing speed from 70mph to 50mph drivers could use up to 30% less fuel.
2) Pressure Point – Make sure tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels – tyres lacking pressure will cause higher fuel usage. However, don’t over inflate tyres as grip on the road will be lost.
3) Plan Your Route – It may sound simple, but by taking the time to plan the best route, drivers can avoid wasting fuel on getting lost, while also steering clear of the busiest roads and the very uneconomical driving style of constantly braking and accelerating.
4) Remove Excess Weight – From work books to golf clubs – taking unneeded items out of a vehicle helps keep the weight down, therefore using less fuel to get around.
5) Tight-Wad’s Fifth Gear – Not recommended when it comes to driving safety, but putting the car in neutral on down hill stretches is a method adopted by some drivers. However, the Institute of Advanced Motorists advises that as well as being dangerous, this technique actually uses more fuel than staying in gear with your foot off the pedal, thanks to modern car technology.
6) Cut Down on Resistance – Added wind resistance uses up extra fuel on journeys, so keep windows closed and remove roof racks when not in use.
7) Supermarket Money Off Vouchers - Many supermarket chains offer fuel discount vouchers when customers spend a certain amount in-store, which can make a big difference to the total price, so keep an eye out for promotions.
Lift Share – Whether taking the kids to school or combining a journey with a colleague who lives near by, lift sharing can help keep fuel usage down.
9) Keep Fuel Topped Up - It might seem a little obsessive, but the price of fuel can vary quite significantly between filling stations and so by filling up whenever there is a low price point drivers could make quite a saving.
10) If All Else Fails – The government allows people to produce 2,500 litres of biofuel a year, tax free, but with the explosive nature of the ingredients involved, there are many safety issues to consider before trying this method,
Carrentals.co.uk compares car hire deals from up to 50 rental companies, including Alamo, Auto Europe, Budget, easyCar, Holiday Autos and Sixt, in over 9,000 locations worldwide. To compare the latest car hire deals visit www.carrentals.co.uk.
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