Driving experts have shared their most helpful tips on how to save money on fuel this winter and one is as simple as using a simple bowl of water.
Fuel prices have fluctuated up and down this year thanks to Russia's invasion of Ukraine back in February. While the prices are fairly stabilised now, many people are always looking for ways to save a bit of cash - especially at this time of year.
To help people out, specialists at car leasing firm Vanarama have revealed how to get the most out of your fuel as it gets colder. Their advice ranging from keeping your tyres inflated to some more unusual tips.
The experts say that you should always drive as though you have a bowl of water on the passenger seat in order to be the most fuel-efficient.
Every time you apply the brakes, energy that you've paid for in fuel is being lost in heat generated by the brake pads and discs.
Don't rev the engine unnecessarily when accelerating, just move gently through the gears, keeping the engine speed to a reasonable level, but without labouring it by being in too high a gear.
So you can either just imagine that there's a bowl there, or actually place one on the seat - and hopefully the risk of mess will encourage you to drive better.
Here are eight more frugal tips from the experts at Vanarama that could help you get the most of your fuel.
Make sure your car is free of clutter
Naturally, when you're carrying a heavy load, your car doesn't perform as well on the road.
These long inclines are harder work and will lead to you putting your foot down, or changing down a gear to keep the speed up – all of which uses additional fuel. Instead, have a clear out of items in your car.
Keep your fuel tank level low
Another tip is to keep your fuel tank level reasonably low rather than topped up all the time. Diesel is heavy - 70 litres come in at over 57kgs.
Take any unused bike and ladder racks off your vehicle
Unless you're using a bike or ladder regularly, take the rack off your vehicle as it uses up more fuel to keep them on.
If you do, however, need a roof rack (as you're a tradesperson), then keep it clear of loads as much as possible. Find somewhere secure at home or work to store it as the savings in fuel can be considerable.
Limit your use of the aircon
Many of us leave the air conditioning switched on all year round, overriding it when necessary with the heater. Try and get into the habit of turning it off when you don’t need it, it can be quite a drain on fuel when in operation.
Keep your tyres pumped up
Often motorists only check their tyre pressure once they have a puncture, but this is a costly mistake to make.
Low tyre pressures create heat and friction with the tread and sidewalls flexing, with research showing that you use an additional three percent fuel for every 10 percent your tyres are under-inflated.
Not only that, tyres with insufficient pressure lead to poor handling of the vehicle with the potential to cause accidents.
Have your car services regularly
This is important as something as simple as a blocked air filter will result in poor performance and higher fuel consumption.
Also, if your van is under warranty or subject to a lease agreement, it’s important to keep your service history up to date.
If it belongs to you it'll also help you prove to a second owner or, to a dealer when part exchanging for a new vehicle that you’ve looked after it, enhancing its value.
Ke ep your window closed
All that buffeting you get in the car when you have the window open, even slightly, doesn’t come for free and fuel is burnt to generate it. If you don’t need the window open, close it.
Always plan your journeys
Probably the single, most effective way of lowering your fuel bill is to reduce the mileage you drive and to avoid time consuming and costly congestion. Plan your routes carefully using real-time data such as that offered by Google Maps.
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