Fuel stations across the country have been running out of petrol and diesel after a weekend of panic buying - and those that still have some in stock are rationing it.
Some 400 stations across the UK have said drivers will not be able to buy more than £30 of fuel at a time - about half a tank - while others are keeping some in reserve for NHS staff and other key workers.
The sudden shortage has been prompted by a spate of panic buying sparkled when major companies said they were struggling to keep their stations supplied with fuel because of a shortage of HGV drivers.
But there are simple ways you can make the fuel in your tank go further - if you're struggling to get more fuel or want to hang on to what you have.
The three main ones are to drive more slowly - cars have an optimum feed for fuel efficiency and it will be well within the speed limit - to brake steadily - keeping a good eye on the road ahead so you don't have to brake sharply and waste your speed - and to avoid driving when you don't need to.
Then there are five you may not have thought of.
Parts For All Cars have pulled together five lesser-known ways to reduce your fuel usage.
Tighten your petrol cap
A simple but effective way to gain some extra mileage is to make sure your cap is on tight after filling the tank. Petrol, like all liquids when hot evaporates and if the cap isn’t airtight, you’re bound to lose some valuable fuel. Taking the time to double check this can make all the difference – allowing you to make the most of your money whole preserving resources.
Keep your windows closed
This one may sound unusual but open windows could be another reason you just aren’t getting the mileage out of your tank. Being aerodynamic is more important than you think and open windows at higher speeds creates a drag resulting in a less efficient vehicle. Simply avoid wind resistance to maintain your fuel.
Travel light
It’s not just open windows that attract wind resistance and create a drag. Added weight can impact your tank efficiency too. The heavier the vehicle the more fuel used. If you can manage without roof racks, trailers, and a full boot this can be extremely helpful in saving money and reducing consumption. This doesn’t have to be permanent but using spare time to detach heftier additions can make a huge difference.
Keep tyres inflated
It’s just good practice to keep tyres properly inflated at all times but it’s added bonus is it encourages more miles for your money too. Overall, your tyre’s rolling resistance is accountable for 15% of fuel consumption (The AA). This means if your tyre pressure is too low, the more rolling resistance there will be also resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Don’t idle
Only if safe to do so, turn off the engine if you have been stationary for longer than a minute. Coming to a standstill with the engine left running not only burns up fuel but is a huge contributer to air pollution too. To sustain a lower fuel usage, the key is to be strict and economical. Idling is a waste and can be easily avoided.
Mark Barclay of Parts For All Cars said: “The current situation in the motor industry has caused a great deal of uncertainty for vehicle owners and the companies looking for employees to carry the fuel.
"Although stocking up on petrol is a viable option and one many have taken to over the past week, it’s also good to learn to be more cautious with resources.
"These tips are some of the lesser-known ways our habits can affect fuel consumption but the obvious ones like sticking to speed limits, breaking steadily, and reducing your overall driving time are just as important.
"It’s not an ideal situation for any of us but could be used as a lesson in sustainability and a way to practice more efficient driving techniques and lower our carbon footprint."
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