Drivers could slash fuel use by 25% by removing common item from their car – it could save you hundreds
MOTORISTS can slash their fuel use by up to 25 percent by removing one common item from their car.
Experts say that applying attaching their bikes to car roof racks could save drivers hundreds of pounds.
But leaving the add-on empty could require up to 15 percent more fuel.
“Cars are designed to be as aerodynamic as possible, meaning they are designed to reduce drag but external additions can decrease this aero-efficiency and increase drag,” a motors whizz at CarShop said.
“Roof racks and boxes are common additions to cars but can add to fuel consumption as research suggests driving with a roof box uses up to 25 percent more fuel.
“Many may think this is due to the roof box itself but even an empty roof rack uses up to 15 percent more fuel.
“Helpful tip – having open sunroofs and windows can also cause unnecessary, by only having these open when necessary you can improve fuel efficiency.”
It comes after news that Brits will now have to pay an extra £2 per full-tank – making daily tasks even more difficult.
The increase has taken place in the three weeks leading up to February 18, petrol prices jumped up by 3.2p per litre – now totalling 143.4p.
As well as that, Diesel prices climbed higher and now cost an extra 4p, meaning every litre will set Brits back 152p.
The price-hike has happened as a result of an increase in oil costs, which had been sold at over £64 ($80) a barrel for the last month.
One of the reasons oil has become more expensive is because of the Red Sea attacks by Houthis rebels – an Iranian-backed group – who are attacking tankers and forcing oil ships to take alternate routes to avoid conflict.
Simon Williams, the RAC fuel spokesperson, said: “News that fuel prices have bottomed out and are now on the rise again is bad news for drivers, and possibly the economy and future inflation rates, too.
“While we’re not expecting prices to shoot up dramatically, it appears that oil is trading up, which in the absence of a stronger pound means wholesale fuel costs more for retailers to buy in.
“The result is higher prices at the pump and more expense for the everyday driver.”
However, RAC execs also noted that other reasons are to do with retailers over-ordering fuel stocks before a possible fuel-duty hike comes into play.
Execs at the motor firm said they do not expect prices to get much higher, they said: “A lot depends on how much margin the biggest retailers decide to take.”
The troubling news comes right after Brits were being afforded a break on the cost of filling up – as prices had been steadily dropping over the last three months.
Prices had dipped by 17p – from 157p to 140p – in January, which is reportedly the lowest it had been in almost three years.
Motor money-saving hacks
Don’t let insurance premiums and repairs catch you out
The cost of buying a car is not just about meeting the asking price.
You also need to sort out insurance for your motor, which can rise to eyewatering annual amounts.
Models with economical engines usually become significantly cheaper to insure than performance models.
Certain brands can only be repaired at specialist shops, so consider that before buying your new motor.
Motors with excessive mileage are less fuel-efficient
Any time you buy a car, you should always consider resale value.
If you find a model that will sell well on the used car market, that is a better money-saving investment than a model that typically struggles to drum up buyers.
Along with the make and model, check the mileage if you’re trying to save money in the long term.
The experts say that the mileage is more than a number – it’s an indicator of the condition of a car.
Bright and bold cars lose value faster than other colours
While it may seem like a trivial choice, picking the perfect paint job for your car impacts the resale value and general maintenance.
Lime greens, burnt oranges and sunshine yellows might speak to your personal tastes, but they are notoriously difficult to sell on the used car market.
That’s because, as a more niche choice, it’s tricky to find willing buyers, forcing you to lower the asking price or wait longer for a suitable offer.
Buy the car that best suits your day-to-day – and bin off the extra features
To save as much money as possible on your purchase, you need to think specifically about how you’re actually going to be using the car rather than how you might use it.
For example, if you need a used car for commuting into a city centre office, you might be better off with a nippy three-door that costs £5,000 rather than a 4×4 on the market for £10,000.