September 2008 Car News - GBCarLoans.com

5th September 2008

With petrol and diesel prices rising 20% in the past 12 months

With petrol and diesel prices rising 20% in the past 12 months and the credit crunch forcing a tightening of belts, Motorists are resorting to increasingly desperate measures to save fuel.

Research issued today by Saga Motor Insurance that, in their desperation, drivers' fuel saving efforts may be misguided. Some motorists incorrectly think that spreading the weight in the car, i.e. making passengers sit in the back will reduce fuel consumption. One in ten think that filling up in the morning when petrol is cold will help, 6% of drivers hope that switching off the radio will save cash at the pumps. Drivers who are over fifty tend to utilise only half of their car's rev range and 93% of these drivers drive in the highest gear possible. Both of these techniques improve fuel economy as well as reduces engine stress. Proposed increases in car tax planned for 2009/10 and rising fuel costs, drivers are already considering cutbacks.

Almost 70% of motorists are simply planning on driving less, walking or taking public transport to reduce fuel consumption. Over a fifth (21%) would consider changing their vehicle for a more cost efficient make or model and 5% may resort to car sharing.
In order to help motorist save money Saga Motor insurance recommends five ways to conserve fuel:

   1. Cutting back on the use of air-conditioning
   2. Streamlining your car by removing roof racks and boxes
   3. Driving smoothly by accelerating and braking progressively
   4. Changing up through the gears at roughly half your car's rev limit
   5. Inflating your tyres to the manufacturer's specification

 

back to September's Car News