Your car won’t use as much fuel this summer with instructor’s clever tip (stock image) (Image: Getty)
While fuel prices continue to be high, one driving instructor has shared his top tip for how to help you save on fuel this summer but starting one new habit while driving.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has recently told MPs that the 5p per litre fuel duty cut introduced by the Conservative government in March 2022 would be extended for the rest of the year, it doesn’t take away from the fact that fuel is still expensive.
This is mainly due to Iran’s restrictions on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz means 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.
Specialists have previously warned road users that harsh braking and sudden acceleration can massively backfire for those desperate to save costs, as it will make the engine work significantly harder, burning up fuel much faster.
But some might have noticed that their car uses more fuel, whether its petrol or diesel, during the hot summer months, and there’s a good reason for this.
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To help drivers save some money on fuel, one driving instructor has shared his top tip for how you can lower your fuel usage during the hot summer months, and it’s easier than you might think.
Taking to TikTok, one driving instructor named Dave from Red Driving School has shared his top tip for how you can save on your fuel, simply by avoiding using 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.
Cars often burn more fuel in the summer due to increased air conditioning usage, higher aerodynamic drag when driving with windows down, as well as engine strain that can come from extreme heat.
So by not starting the air conditioning unit in your car, it means less work for the engine and the car in general, leading to less fuel usage.
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However, since cars often get hot when sitting or driving in the hot sunshine, Dave had a simple alternative to the air con, that won’t cost you any money.
“So, if you’re wanting to save fuel and money, open your windows,” he told viewers at the end of the clip.
However, some viewers went on to argue that opening the windows would cause drag in the car, which also would lead to more fuel usage, which is true if you’re driving in faster speeds.
According to a 2004 study by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), it will be more beneficial to open your windows if you’re driving at a speed of 45mph or below.
But if you’re driving above this speed, the drag effect of the windows being open starts makes more fuel efficient to shut them in favour of switching on the air con.