Nobody likes having to pay high prices for petrol, and continued price increases have made the cost of filling up your tank quite eye-watering.
Here are ten myths on fuel saving that should be avoided.
1) The cheapest petrol station is always the best
Many motorists get obsessed with the price of fuel, to the extent that they will drive miles out of their way to save a couple of pence on a litre. Be careful. Especially in London traffic, driving just a couple of extra miles will negate any saving.
2) Diesel vehicles are cheaper than those that run on petrol
Diesel cars go further on a gallon of fuel, but the increased price of both fuel and the vehicle means that it would take the average driver 14 years to recoup the difference.
3) The most direct route is the cheapest
Not always. Sitting in traffic costs money. A longer, quicker journey will often be cheaper.
4) Manuals are more frugal than automatics
This used to be the case but no more, modern automatics change at exactly the right time and can be more economical than manuals.
5) It uses more fuel to start a car than letting it idle
Modern cars have start/stop technology that is far more efficient than letting the car idle in London traffic.
6) You need to let your engine warm up in winter
You can drive off in seconds. Idling just wastes fuel.
7) Old cars start using more fuel
If they are serviced properly, fuel figures can be maintained for years.
8) Fuel additives will increase efficiency
It is almost certain that no additive will save enough fuel to justify its cost.
9) ‘Premium’ fuel increases economy
The vast majority of cars will see no difference whatsoever.
10) Smaller cars are always more efficient
Not always. Modern large saloons can be extremely fuel efficient: especially in comparison with older small cars.
