Petrol and diesel motorists can improve their fuel economy rates by removing items from their vehicles, according to experts.
Specialist insurance broker ChoiceQuote has stressed removing “unnecessary belongings” before setting off could make a major difference.
Car engines will have to work harder to pull around extra weight meaning having a proper clear-out would help.
This would allow the engine to have a breather and in turn, will not use up as much fuel, helping road users to save pennies.
ChoiceQuote said: “The more weight you have in your car, whether that be in the boot or on the back seat, the harder your engine will have to work to get up to speed.
“Ensure that you have taken out any unnecessary belongings you may have with you before setting off on your journey.”
ChoiceQuote is not the only one warning motorists to take action in a bid to cut down fuel bills.
AutoTrader, the leading new and used car online marketplace selling a wide variety of vehicles, has also warned removing excess weight would help.
They explained: “Carrying your bike on your car’s roof or using a roof rack or roof box creates resistance which causes drag. If you don’t require the bike or other items on the roof rack, remove them to avoid inefficiencies.
“You should also remove unnecessary items from the boot as extra weight means extra fuel being burnt.”
Last year, experts at LeaseVan also weighed in on the issue as they urged drivers to sort through their models.
They added: “The more weight in the vehicle, the more fuel will be used. If a certain set of tools aren’t needed, leave them at home.”
The latest warning comes amid a recent rise in petrol and diesel costs likely to affect almost all motorists.
According to RAC Fuel Watch, unleaded petrol fees now stand at 145.45p per litre, up from 140.45p at the beginning of January.
Unleaded petrol costs are down on prices recorded in 2022 and 2023 but motorists are still paying around 20p more than pre-pandemic fees.
Diesel costs are also up since the start of the year with fees recorded at 147,62p in the model of January compared to 154.13p today.
However, RAC Fuel Watch has predicted that “no change is forecast” when it comes to petrol and diesel prices in the near future.
