Car experts have revealed the one overlooked habit that could be making your annual fuel bill much higher than needed. With the festive season approaching Brits are making a number of plans including shopping, visiting family and heading to seasonal events – so experts are keen to highlight the motoring mistake that many are making.
Kazimieras Urbonas, supplier excellence manager at Ovoko, a marketplace for used car parts, revealed that UK motorists are literally carrying around the reason their fuel bills are higher than they need to be.
He said: “Too many drivers are unaware that what they’re storing in their boot could be costing them money every single day.
“That bag of sports equipment you’ve been meaning to take out for weeks, the toolbox that’s lived in your car since summer, or the roof rack you haven’t used since your last holiday: they’re all quietly increasing how much you spend at the pump.”
While having a boot full of things might not seem like a big deal, the numbers say otherwise. Every additional 50kg of weight in your vehicle increases fuel consumption by around 2%.
For the average UK driver covering around 7,400 miles per year, the small percentage can really add to your fuel costs. According to NimbleFins, UK motorists spend on average £1,052 a year on petrol. That means by following Mr Urbonas’ advice, motorists can save up to £105.20 a year.
Mr Urbonas added: “Think about what’s sitting in your boot right now. A set of golf clubs weighs around 15kg, a toolbox can be 10-20kg, spare tyres are typically 8-10kg each, and that bike you’ve been meaning to use? That’s another 15kg. Before you know it, you’re carrying an extra 50kg or more without even realising it.”
According to the expert, sports and leisure equipment, tools and emergency supplies, seasonal items, old tyres and parts, and children’s equipment are the most common items that drivers “unnecessarily” keep in their vehicles.
As a final piece of advice, Mr Urbonas recommends just “taking 20 minutes to clear out your boot” in order to cut fuel costs.
He said: “Start by removing anything you haven’t used in the past month. Keep only genuine essentials like your spare tyre, basic toolkit, and high-visibility vest.
“Check your tyre pressures regularly as well. Under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%, so this simple check at the petrol station can make a real difference. Combine that with a lighter car, and you’re looking at meaningful savings.
“Finally, plan your journeys to avoid unnecessary trips. Combining errands into one outing rather than making multiple short trips throughout the week reduces fuel waste significantly. Small changes add up, especially when you’re doing more driving over the festive period.”