As the UK braces for temperatures soaring up to 38°C this week, drivers are being warned to avoid a common air-conditioning mistake that could unnecessarily burn through fuel. Making a few simple adjustments to driving habits can help stretch fuel further during summer road trips.
Air-Con vs. Windows: The Right Choice
Tim Rodie, a driving expert at Motorpoint, explained: "While you might be planning on setting your air conditioning to full blast when driving in warm weather, it can really be a drain on your fuel. Motorists looking to go longer between filling up might think just opening the windows is an obvious alternative but, at higher speeds, this can make your car less aerodynamic - meaning you'll be using more fuel."
Rodie advises: "As a rule, opening your windows is best when driving around at lower speeds around town and air conditioning is more efficient if you're on the motorway. So, keep this in mind and be sure to mix it up on long car rides."
Don't Pre-Cool Your Car
While climbing into a scorching hot car is unpleasant, Rodie warns against leaving the air conditioning running to pre-cool the vehicle before getting in. He said: "Idling is terrible for fuel efficiency, but there's an even more important reason why you shouldn't be leaving your car unattended with the engine running when cooling down - the risk of it being stolen."
Modern air-conditioning systems cool vehicles quickly, so pre-cooling is unnecessary. Additionally, most car insurance policies have 'keys in car' or 'vehicle left unattended' clauses that may void claims if the vehicle is stolen while unattended with keys inside.
Check Air-Con Performance
Drivers who notice their air-conditioning feels "less powerful than normal" should have it inspected, as the car continues to consume fuel to run the system even when it isn't functioning correctly.
Fuel Efficiency Tips for Summer
Pack Light
Avoid stuffing the boot to the brim; a lighter vehicle requires less fuel. This principle extends to accessories like bike racks and roof boxes. Rodie said: "Unless you need the extra storage space, it's worth travelling without them. They might be a pain to remove, but the increased drag and extra weight mean your car needs to work harder to get you where you need to go."
Plan Your Routes
Vehicles guzzle fuel when stuck in congestion, so plan your journey before heading out. If you find yourself at a standstill, consider turning off the engine or activating the stop-start function to avoid wasting fuel while stationary.
Know Where to Fill Up
One simple way to avoid overpaying for fuel is to seek out petrol stations with competitive prices. Motorway services always charge a premium, so plan your journey in advance to know where you'll likely need to fill up.
Stick to the Speed Limit
Speeding not only risks fines and points on your licence but also harms fuel consumption. Speed directly impacts fuel use; the faster you drive, the fewer miles per tank. Harsh acceleration burns significantly more fuel than steady, measured driving.
Check Your Tyres
Keeping an eye on tyre pressure isn't just about safety—it also helps maintain efficiency. Underinflated tyres create greater friction, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check tyre pressure at least once a month using a pressure gauge, ensuring it falls within the recommended range in your owner's manual.
