Dont waste fuel by opening the windows
Posted by Tom Benjamin
With fuel prices continuing to soar in the UK, many motorists are looking to get the most out of their tanks and are implementing changes to their driving style to do so.
However, a Kwik Fit survey has found that around ten million British motorists are taking a measure that could in fact lead to them wasting more fuel.
David White, customer services director at Kwik Fit, said: "With fuel prices higher than ever, it's understandable that motorists are looking for ways to squeeze every last mile out of their tank. But they need to be careful that the measures they take are the right ones."
Around 28 per cent of drivers in the UK are turning off their air conditioning and opening their window in a bid to reduce fuel consumption.
But the organisation claims that doing so is in fact a false economy as opening a window can create drag, which will ensure the engine works harder and uses more fuel to propel the car at the desired speed.
Kwik Fit pointed out that in static traffic an opened window will in fact reduce fuel usage, but urged motorists to switch back to air con once traffic is moving freely.
Mr White noted that air conditioning is far more fuel efficient on the open road and a lot more pleasant for drivers and passengers alike.
New analysis of the latest traffic data revealed that with just an average five per cent drop in fuel efficiency, on a single warm day, drivers opting for a 'windows down' approach could be increasing the nation's fuel bill by over £650,000.
The research also indicated that motorists in Liverpool, Oxford, Edinburgh and London are the most likely to keep their windows down while driving.
A study conducted by Kwik Fit last month found that Brits are wasting almost £1 billion a year on fuel due to under-inflated tyres.
Another way to save fuel is to dump all the stuff you don’t need out of your trunk; a lighter car also wastes less gas. Other than that I don’t really go out of my way to squeeze every penny out of a gallon; that’s kind of depressing to be so cheap. I tend to do what is most comfortable, even if that means paying a tad more.