A driving instructor has shared a straightforward tip that could help motorists save money on fuel this summer by adjusting one common habit behind the wheel. With fuel prices remaining elevated, the advice focuses on reducing air conditioning usage.
Fuel Prices and Driving Habits
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently informed MPs that the 5p per litre fuel duty cut, introduced by the Conservative government in March 2022, would be extended for the remainder of the year. However, this does little to offset the fact that fuel remains costly. This is largely due to Iran's restrictions on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, meaning the average price of a litre of petrol and diesel at UK forecourts is 26p and 44p respectively more expensive than before the conflict started on February 28.
Experts have previously cautioned motorists that heavy braking and sharp acceleration can seriously damage efforts to keep costs down, as these actions force the engine to work considerably harder, burning through fuel at a much greater rate. But some drivers may have noticed their vehicle guzzles more fuel during the warmer summer months, and there is a perfectly good explanation for this.
The Instructor's Tip
To assist drivers in saving money at the pumps, one driving instructor has revealed his top tip for reducing fuel consumption during the hot summer months, and it is simpler than you might expect. Taking to TikTok, driving instructor Dave from Red Driving School shared his key piece of advice for cutting fuel usage, simply by avoiding the air conditioning.
"A thing to remember if you're thinking of using your air con, it will actually use up a little bit more fuel," Dave explained. Vehicles tend to consume more fuel during summer months owing to greater air conditioning use, increased aerodynamic drag when driving with windows open, as well as the engine strain that can result from extreme heat. By keeping the air conditioning switched off, there is less demand placed on the engine and the vehicle overall, resulting in lower fuel consumption.
However, given that cars can become uncomfortably hot when parked or driven in scorching sunshine, Dave offered viewers a straightforward alternative to the air con that won't cost a penny. "So, if you're wanting to save fuel and money, open your windows," he told viewers at the end of the clip.
Considerations for Window Use
Despite this, a number of viewers argued that winding down the windows creates drag, which can equally push up fuel consumption — and they are not wrong, particularly at higher speeds. According to a 2004 study by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), it will be more beneficial to open your windows if you are driving at a speed of 45 mph or below. However, beyond this speed, the drag created by open windows means it actually becomes more fuel-efficient to close them and rely on the air conditioning instead.
