Drivers can “save up to 10 percent” on fuel costs by looking after their vehicle and keeping it maintained during the summer, according to experts.
Specialists at CarShop warned keeping a car in good shape would “improve fuel efficiency” in a massive boost for petrol and diesel owners as costs continue to rise.
Updating parts where and when they are needed will also have the added benefit of ensuring vehicles “retain value” when they are sold.
This likely makes it one of the more important fuel-saving hacks but likely the most costly with some repairs expected to hit drivers in the pocket.
CarShop said: “Regular maintenance and servicing can be expensive and is a cost some may struggle to justify, it can however have more benefits than just safety.
“Good vehicle maintenance can improve a vehicle’s fuel efficiency and consumption.
“Research shows that savings of up to 10 percent can be made by replacing a blocked air filter, worn spark plugs or old engine oil and will also help to retain its value when you come to sell.”
BookMyGarage, the leading comparison site for vehicle service and repair companies, claimed maintenance was vital to saving fuel.
They warned it was “always better” to act early to keep a car in excellent condition than deal with “greater expenses” later down the line.
They added: “Whilst it may sound counterintuitive to invest money in car maintenance, this can help you to avoid expensive repairs in future, and help you save money on fuel by improving your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.”
They claimed even “seemingly unrelated tasks” such as updating engine oil could make a huge difference.
The RAC, the leading car insurance firm and breakdown provider, have also issued a critical warning to road users.
They stressed: “Regular maintenance and servicing improves the efficiency of your vehicle, and therefore can improve your fuel consumption.”
The warning comes after the latest data from RAC Fuel Watch revealed pump prices had massively risen across the UK.
According to the latest report, average petrol costs were up by a staggering 9p per litre with fees rising from 140.56p in January to 149.51p in April.
Meanwhile, diesel prices were up by around 10p per litre with costs rising from 147.62p at the start of the year to 157.99p today.
