Budget 2023: Chancellor announces fuel duty will be frozen
Petrol and diesel drivers can lower their fuel use this summer by following a simple hack when behind the wheel.
According to experts, drivers will use up more fuel if they turn their air conditioning on as soon as they get into their vehicles.
Using the tool to cool down can increase petrol and diesel use by up to 10 percent in a major blow during a cost-of-living crisis.
Instead, motorists have been urged by ATS Euromaster to slightly open their windows instead of using their in-car technology.
The firm said: “Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by eight to 10 percent, so it advised to open your windows and create a natural airflow through your car to help save on petrol.”
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John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco has previously made the same claim as he urged road users to be smart with their air con in high temperatures.
He explained: ”Turning on your A/C can cost you up to 10 percent in extra fuel consumption. So make sure you’re getting the most from it when it’s being used in this exceptionally hot weather.”
Experts at the RAC have confirmed using air conditioning behind the wheel will use up more fuel. Because of this, the breakdown firms warn motorists should not use their air conditioning at all unless they “really have to”.
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Specialists explain air con units tend to use up more engine power which in turn burns through more petrol or diesel.
Meanwhile, Emissions Analytics found that air conditioning affects economy rates in hybrid vehicles more than combustion cars.
A study by the group found economy rates fell by a whopping 6.1 percent for a hybrid vehicle compared to just 4.6 percent for a diesel.
The findings revealed the average efficiency fell 3.8 percent for petrol vehicles, a lot less than the average 10 percent prediction.
But, experts at ATS Euromaster warn windows could also create a problem at high speeds.
They commented: “This rule doesn’t apply when you are travelling on the motorway, as your car will become less aerodynamic driving with the windows open due to the higher speeds, and you could end up using up to 20 percent more fuel instead.”
This has been corroborated by officials at Leasing.com who have also warned drivers risked burning more fuel if they have their windows down when travelling quickly.
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