How Can We Reduce the Cost of Filling Our Vehicle?

Rising Costs

It seems every time we go to the petrol station the cost of fuel is going up, from one day to the next, there seems to be a penny increase here and a penny increase there. 

Even the supermarket prices, which are usually the most competitive, are rising at an alarming rate, but by making a few changes to our style of driving, we may be able to reduce costs. As at 06/06/22, according to Government figures, prices at the pumps were on average, 175.55p per litre for unleaded petrol and 185.31p per litre for diesel.¹

The increase in fuel costs seen at the petrol forecourts is primarily due to the increased cost and global demand of a barrel of crude oil. Oil prices have been rising steadily as consumers’ lives returns to normal after COVID lockdown periods, but since the start of the Russian – Ukraine war, and  continuing global unrest, prices have rocketed. 

Even after the Government confirmed that they were cutting the fuel duty by 5p per litre, the average cost of a litre of fuel is still over 20% more than it was in January 2022.²

This increase in fuel costs will not only hit the personal pockets of drivers, but the running costs of all companies using vehicles, be it cars, vans, or trucks.  With such price increases, companies will have no choice but to pass the costs onto consumers, which will see further rises in expenditure for everyone.

What can we do?

The way that we drive has a massive effect on how much fuel our vehicle uses.

Heavy braking, rapid acceleration, sharp turns, and certain gear usage can lead to you using considerably more fuel than you need to.  Adopting good driving habits will help to make the drive smoother and less strenuous on the engine, leading to less wear on the vehicle and of course, massive savings on fuel.

With fuel representing a significant area of expense, a small improvement in driver attitude and driving style can significantly improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

Here are some tips that if implemented may help you to cut your fuel usage and reduce costs. 

Tips that will have a significant effect on fuel consumption

We've compiled some tips to help reduce your fuel consumption³:

DRIVE SMOOTHLY Accelerate gently, brake softly, maintain space from vehicle in front.

STEP OFF THE ACCELERATOR When slowing down or driving downhill, remain in gear but take your foot off the accelerator as early as possible.

CHANGE GEAR EARLY Shift to higher gear early, usually by around 2,000-2,500 revs per minute (RPM).

SKIP GEARS e.g., 3rd to 5th or 4th to 6th when appropriate.

REDUCE SPEED High speeds greatly increase fuel consumption. 

TURN OFF/AVOID IDLING Turn off your engine if you expect to be stationary for more than a minute or so.

MINIMISE DRAG Remove racks, roof boxes and bike carriers when not in use, they significantly increase air resistance and fuel consumption at higher speeds.

REMOVE EXCESS WEIGHT Empty your boot, reduce excess weight from your vehicle.

SERVICE your vehicle regularly to maintain engine efficiency. Make sure you use the right engine oil, and your tyre pressures are correct.

REDUCE TRIPS and plan journeys, you’ll do fewer miles and save more money.  Explore the option to work from home with your employer.

How can we help you?

Safedrive, Towergate’s in-house, Fleet Driver Training company, can facilitate in-vehicle or workshop style Eco-Driving sessions to suit you and your drivers, in addition to Electric Vehicle Awareness sessions. 

Enhancing driver awareness can eliminate or reduce risks encountered by drivers whilst at the same time, lower fleet costs by reducing accidents, fuel costs and insurance premiums.

For more details, please contact safedrive@towergate.co.uk

Safedrive is a trading name of Advisory Insurance Brokers Ltd

The information contained in this communication is based on sources that we believe are reliable and should be understood as general risk management and insurance information only. It is not intended to be taken as advice with respect to any specific or individual situation and cannot be relied upon as such. If you wish to discuss your specific requirements, please do not hesitate to contact Safedrive@towergate.co.uk and we will be happy to assist.

Sources:

• 1 UK Government – weekly road fuel prices
• 2 Exact % increase in £, Petrol = 22.4% increase since Jan 2022, Diesel = 24.5% increase since Jan 22
• 3 Energy Saving Trust – Eco Tips