Petrol and diesel owners can save £58 per year on fuel with simple hack
Motorists could save on their petrol and diesel costs and reduce the risk of vehicle damage by following a simple tip.
Petrol and diesel owners can make major fuel savings this Autumn by simply keeping their car clean, according to a leading expert.
Ian Wilson, Managing Director of Tiger.co.uk, explained road users could save at least £58 every year just by keeping their car presentable.
This is because a build-up of dirt and grime on vehicle bodywork can have an impact on the aerodynamics.
A cleaner model will glide through the air more easily, meaning cars don’t have to work as hard to travel and therefore will use less fuel.
Other tips such as hypermiling, closing windows and turning off the air conditioning will likely save more fuel.
However, this hack used in tandem with the others will help drivers well on their way to saving the pennies throughout the rest of 2024.
Ian explained: "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."
Tommy’s Express Car Wash also warned that grime can build up and dramatically impact efficiency rates in a major blow.
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The specialists said: "As dirt and grime build up on your car over time, rough surfaces cause the vehicle to become less aerodynamic, thus reducing speeds.
"Cleaning your vehicle makes the surfaces easier for air to flow over, allowing you to travel farther and vastly improve your fuel economy.
"So, no need to search for cars with better mpg if you’re already in love with your current vehicle.”
However, drag is not the only reason motorists should consider cleaning vehicles with major components likely to become damaged.
Endurance Warranty stressed air filter parts risk being "clogged" over time which can have a major impact on vehicle performance.
They commented: "If a person does not replace their air filter when they should, the clogged airflow can impact engine performance which will have a secondary impact on fuel efficiency."
Specialists explained that a dirty air filter will usually appear grey, dusty, or darker than usual.
Over time, this will lead to more contaminants getting onto the engine which can increase wear on the cylinders, pistons and bearings.
Motorists may also notice a reduction in engine power and may find their vehicle struggles to start.
