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Petrol and diesel drivers can save a whopping £200 per year on fuel costs by changing one thing, according to experts. Specialists at Select Car Leasing stress simply changing the condition of your car’s appearance by cleaning it can have a major impact.
Washing a car and keeping it clear of dirt and grime could boost fuel economy rates by a staggering two miles per gallon (mpg). Over a year, motorists who drive an average of around 8,000 miles would save around £200.
Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing said: “A cleaner car is in fact more fuel efficient. Experiments found the vehicle was more fuel-efficient when clean, averaging two miles per gallon (mpg) more than when it was dirty.
“The average fuel mileage of the dirty car fell to around 24 mpg, while the clean car was 26 mpg.
“If you extrapolate that over an entire year, and with a driver covering around 8,000 miles, there’s a potential saving of around £200 annually just by keeping your car clean.
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The tip comes amid a dramatic rise in fuel costs last month as the cost of living crisis continues to affect road users.
According to the RAC, the average price of diesel soared by a staggering 8p per litre in September, the fifth-highest monthly rise since 2000.
Petrol costs were also up a whopping 4.5p with prices now standing at 157p per litre. Mr Conway added: “The main determining factor here is when the car doesn’t have dirt around it, it is much more aerodynamic.
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“The surface area of a vehicle can impact mileage and fuel efficiency because when it has no debris, it can travel through the air much easier and freely.
“Car manufacturers will cleverly design the body shape of a vehicle so that it is as aerodynamic as possible. An aerodynamic-efficient vehicle shape tends to be one as smooth and as streamlined as possible, minimising drag.
“Dirt also adds weight, which also has an impact on a vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
“So as motorists continue to battle with the cost of living crisis, keeping their vehicle clean will most likely help to save on fuel costs since dirty surfaces limit airflow and increase friction for a lower mpg rating.
“As the dark winter nights draw in, it is also recommended to keep your windscreen clean and smear-free to avoid potentially blinding glare from the headlights of other motorists.
“If your windscreen isn’t clear and you are involved in an accident, you can be charged with careless driving- even if any accident you encounter isn’t your fault.”
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