Motorists are finding increased fuel prices across the UK - with the rise of around 2p a litre being blamed on the cost of oil barrels rising and concern over missile strikes between US and Russia.
This could continue to rise over the next few days or weeks by up to 5.5p per litre and costs have gone up by 4p a litre in less than four weeks. Oil prices reached a three an a half year high yesterday at almost $72 a barrel.
Fuel is one of the most expensive elements of running your vehicle and unless you're going to switch to an electric car, an unavoidable expense.
However by changing some of your driving habits you can certainly make a tank of fuel go further.
Here's LittleGreenCarLeasing's top tips:
- Good maintenance of your lease car can increase efficiency. This includes regular servicing, using the right spec of engine oil and ensuring your tyre pressures are at the correct level. How often do you check your tyre pressure?
- Is your car doubling up as a storage facility? Make sure your boot is empty of all but the essentials because extra weight means extra fuel.
- During the winter months, leaving your car engine running for 15 minutes each morning whilst the windscreen defrosts will waste fuel (and risks your car being stolen if you leave it unattended.) So scrape rather than idle
- If you’re driving a new lease car you may have built in sat-nav! Use it! Getting lost and driving 20 miles round the houses wastes fuel.
- Drive smoothly, accelerate and decelerate gently.
- Do you really need the air con or heat blasting? Excessive use will decrease fuel efficiency. If the car is a bit stuffy, open a window, especially if you’re driving slowly around town
- New cars have a tonne of electric and gadgets to play with, but do you really need to heat your front or rear windscreens? Do you need your seat warmers on for the whole journey?
- Stick to the limit! Driving at 80mph on the motorway will use up to 25% more fuel than driving at 70mph!
- DON’T risk your safety for fuel consumption! It used to be common to roll down hill out of gear – thought to be fuel saving! Well, it might be but it also puts you wildly out of control of your car.
- DON’T switch off unless you are likely to be stationery for around 3 minutes. Your new lease car may have 'stop/start' technology but this clever bit of kit is finely tuned (you may have noticed it doesn't kick in if your car is cold.) Turning your car off manually to save fuel might just see you stranded on a busy junction.
We've also shared our tips on driving safely during the Autumn months - have a read here.