Drivers are being told to drive with a bowl of water in the passenger seat
Motorists are being warned to hit the road with a bowl of water in the passenger seat as petrol and diesel prices surge, leaving drivers dismayed. Breakdown specialists RAC have reported that fuel prices have climbed for the first time in three months, notching up an extra 2p on the average litre of petrol and a heavier 3p increase on diesel within just one month.
According to RAC figures, unleaded now stands at an average price of 134.17p per litre, a 2p rise since June, bumping the fill-up cost for a standard 55-litre family car to £73.79, which is £1.07 pricier than at the start of the month.
Diesel has experienced an even steeper hike – up nearly 3p (2.8p) per litre, shifting from 138.39p to 141.21p at the month's end and adding an additional £1.55 to the amount families need to find to top off their tank.
Fuel experts mentioned that there's a glimmer of hope for reduced costs in the near future should wholesale prices slump. However, with current fuel costs hitting recent highs, it’s a smart move to adopt fuel-saving measures.
RAC fuel spokesperson Simon Williams said: "The arrival of summer has brought some wholly unwelcome increases to pump prices, with retailers wasting no time in putting them up following increased tensions in the Middle East.
"Unleaded and diesel are now both at their highest levels since late April, although we see no reason for further increases as wholesale prices have come back down again."
“July will be a telling month - will retailers halt further price rises, or even cut them if wholesale costs continue to slide?
Or will drivers be stuck having to pay an elevated amount for the foreseeable future? This is particularly topical given it was only two days ago that the Competition and Markets Authority noted how weak competition within the fuel retailing market is. ”.
“Thankfully, we're a long way off the record pump prices of exactly three years ago - when the Russia/Ukraine conflict saw the average price of unleaded hit an unprecedented 191.53p a litre and diesel climb to 199.21p, with some retailers charging well in excess of £2 a litre."
In light of rising fuel worries, motoring experts from ChooseMyCar.com have delivered a set of unique tips designed to keep your fuel spend thriftier during your drives.
They recommend an odd but savvy tactic – place a bowl of water in the passenger seat, reports the Express. The experts said: “Keeping an open bowl of water on your passenger seat is a great deterrent for unnecessary acceleration and braking.
"It sounds a bit strange, but it is a simple and brilliant reminder to drive gently. If you hit the accelerator too hard, you'll see water pour out the sides.
"Likewise, if you're driving too fast and braking hard you'll notice water on the seat. The best bowls to use for this are small cereal bowls, with water about an inch from the top"
Make sure you actually park your motor in the garage
By keeping your motor warm in a garage, you can maintain an optimal temperature for fuel efficiency. This will cut down on your fuel usage by reducing the need for air conditioning to heat or cool your vehicle, particularly useful during this ongoing heatwave.
Clear out your car
Extra weight in your vehicle can significantly increase fuel consumption. It's wise to clear out your car daily - especially if you're carrying particularly hefty items. So ensure you're not commuting to work on Monday morning with your golf clubs still in the boot!
Just don't do it
Consider cycling or walking to your destination. Not only will this save you money on petrol, but you might also be able to cancel your gym membership.
For instance, if your commute to work is five miles, you could save £416 annually - and increase your daily step count by 10,000.
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