Drivers could save over £400 a year after making small changes

Ahead of the autumn budget, motorists are being shown ways to cut down on petrol costs, and save themselves over £400 a year. 

Savings experts at Tiger.co.uk have crunched the numbers for budget-conscious Brits to help cut back on car costs. 

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Petrol prices have fallen to a three-year low but with the autumn budget taking place at the end of October, changes to fuel duty could have an impact at the pumps.

Some simple tweaks to driving style and car maintenance could make all the difference. 

Driving economically, reducing car weight and even keeping a car clean can improve efficiency and reduce fuel costs. 

Drivers should also be aware that running low on fuel comes with a hefty fine. Although not illegal, letting fuel run out could result in a £100 minimum fine for obstructing the road in an avoidable breakdown and runs the risk of damaging the fuel tank, pump and filter system.

Ian Wilson, Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk said: “Although petrol costs recently fell to a three-year-low, the fuel duty cut implemented in March 2022 may not be continued following the October budget. This could mean households are even more out of pocket when trying to keep up with monthly bills, so it’s important to hunt for savings.

“Whether the fuel duty cut is made or not, keeping costs down is a priority for many households across the UK and there are savings to be had with some straight-forward tweaks to how we drive and how we treat our cars – even keeping it clean, clear of clutter and with properly inflated tyres can make a difference. 

“We wanted to share some tips which should help motorists reduce costs. We all know cars can be expensive to run, but making simple changes to your driving habits can actually create savings.” 

Tiger tips on how to save:

1. Drive economically – save £98 per year 

Adapting your driving to be more economical can help towards a 10% reduction in your weekly fuel costs – using smooth and controlled braking, changing into a higher gear more quickly and reducing cruising speeds can all help save fuel.

2. Plan out lower cost petrol stations – save £120 a year

You could save over £100 just from checking ahead and stopping at cheaper petrol stations – there are apps available to help you find and plan the cheapest spots. 

3. Reduce vehicle weight – save £22 a year

Overloading your car is a big no-go when it comes to fuel efficiency. Every additional 45kg your car carries reduces fuel economy by 2%. Simply driving with an empty roof box or keeping your boot full of clutter can drain your fuel.

4. Wash your car – save £58 a year

If you drive the UK average of 6,000 miles a year, you could save a minimum of £58 per year just by keeping your car clean. This is because your car’s cleanliness impacts how aerodynamic it is. Little to no debris on your car means it can travel much more efficiently.

5. Boost your fuel economy – save £126 a year

By ensuring your tyres are properly inflated and in good working order you could boost your fuel economy by up to 3%.  Reducing the heat and air conditioning could also add a further 10% – meaning you get more miles out of every gallon of fuel. 

Tiger.co.uk can help real people find real savings on essentials such as car insurance.