Saving money on fuel costs is becoming more and more important as prices soar to eye-watering levels.
The Russia- Ukraine war is worsening the already increasing costs of fuel and oil.
An average litre of petrol now costs 152.95p and diesel 158.56p, according to government figures this morning.
The highest price for a barrel in almost 14 years was recorded yesterday, March 7 - $139 (£105.80).
As drivers fork over record amounts of money at petrol pumps, drivers might be interested in how to stretch out every drop.
Luckily the experts Vanarama, a car leasing firm, have shared nine ways to make your fuel go further, resulting in fewer trips to the petrol station, Wales Online reported.
Daryl West, Head of Social Media and PR at Vanarama, said: "This, alongside the general cost of living increasing at its fastest rate for 30 years, may create further money worries for motorists. To help, we've shared nine ways to frugally cut your fuel costs – saving you both money and trips to the petrol station."
Nine ways to make your fuel go further
1. Make sure your car is kept clutter-free
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.
2. 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, with 70 litres coming in at over 57kgs.
3. Take all non-regularly used bike racks and ladder racks off your vehicle
Did you know that you use more fuel to push these items through the air?
Unless you're using a bike or ladder regularly, take the rack off your vehicle.
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.
4. Keep your tyres pumped up
Often motorists only check their tyre pressure once they have a puncture, however, this is a costly mistake.
Low tyre pressures create heat and friction with the tread and sidewalls flexing, with research showing that you use an additional 3% fuel for every 10% your tyres are under-inflated.
Not only that, tyres with insufficient pressure lead to poor handling of the vehicle with the potential for loss of control and accidents.
5. 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.
6. Have regular servicing to prevent further costs down the road
This is extremely important as something as simple as a blocked air filter will result in poor performance and higher fuel consumption.
A brake that is binding slightly can have a dramatic effect on your MPG.
Don’t forget, 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.
7. Keep your window closed
All that buffeting you get in the cab 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.
8. Always pre-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.
9. Drive as if you have a bowl of water on the passenger seat
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.
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