Motorists are being urged to drive everywhere with a bowl of water in the passenger seat following the unwelcome news about rising petrol and diesel prices.
Breakdown experts the RAC said that fuel prices have hit a six month high, with the cost of an average litre of petrol now at the highest level since September following a series of increases. The latest data shows petrol prices went up by 0.65p in February to hit an average of 139.65p per litre across the UK, the highest since September 2024.
RAC fuel spokesperson Simon Williams said: “It’s disappointing to see pump prices up yet again in February, with drivers now facing some of the highest costs at forecourts since the end of last summer. Motorists were the unfortunate casualties of rising wholesale prices through January, not helped by global oil prices hitting the $82-a-barrel mark in the middle of the month.”
The experts said it is hoped that prices may start to come down again in future as wholesale prices dip. But for now with fuel prices at their peak, it’s good practice to save money on fuel.
Motoring experts at ChooseMyCar.com have urged drivers to consider a few rather unusual fuel saving tips to bring into your drive to help keep your petrol costs as low as you can manage.
The first is to keep a bowl of water in the passenger seat.
The experts said: “Keeping an open bowl of water on your passenger seat is a great deterrent for unnecessary acceleration and braking.
“It sounds a bit strange, but it is a simple and brilliant reminder to drive gently. If you hit the accelerator too hard, you’ll see water pour out the sides. Likewise, if you’re driving too fast and braking hard you’ll notice water on the seat. The best bowls to use for this are small cereal bowls, with water about an inch from the top.”
Other experts’ tips include:
Park facing the morning sun
You might have to buy a compass – but this simple fuel saving hack will save you money. During winter months, if you’ve parked facing the morning sun, you’ll spend less time running the car to warm it up or to demist your windscreen.
Use your garage as an actual garage
By keeping your car warm in a garage, you will keep it at a better temperature for fuel economy. This will reduce your fuel consumption by using less air conditioning to heat or cool your car.
Empty your car out
Excess weight in your car can be a real fuel burner. It’s good practice to empty your car out daily – especially if you have particularly heavy items in there. So make sure you don’t drive to work on Monday morning with your golf clubs still in the boot!
Just don’t do it
Consider biking or walking to your destination. Not only will you save money on fuel, you can probably cancel your gym membership too. As a quick example, if your journey to work is five miles, you would save £416 per year – and boost your steps by 10,000 a day.