Driven to desperation

Motorists are resorting to increasingly desperate measures to save fuel reveals research issued by Saga Motor Insurance.

With petrol and diesel prices rising 20% in the past 12 months and the credit crunch forcing a tightening of belts, over 90% of drivers are taking steps to reduce the cost of motoring. However the study shows that, in their desperation, drivers' fuel saving efforts may be misguided.

One in six (15%) motorists incorrectly think that spreading the weight in the car, i.e. making passengers sit in the back will reduce fuel consumption. Another misguided one in ten (10%) think that filling up in the morning when petrol is cold will help and a desperate 6% of drivers hope that switching off the radio, or even changing the music they listen to, will save cash at the pumps.

Sensibly, the majority of drivers are adopting more traditional methods of reducing petrol consumption:

Switching off air-conditioning (54%)
Removing roof rack (46%)
Only driving to within permitted revs (44%)
Closing windows (33%)

The over 50s appear to be the kindest to their vehicles, with half (50%) of drivers only utilising half of their car's rev range - a fifth (20%) more than any other age group. Plus, almost all over 50s (93%) drive in the highest gear possible. Both techniques relieve stress on the engine and improve fuel economy.

However, it is not just rising petrol and diesel costs that are hitting motorists. With the proposed increases in car tax planned for 2009/10 and rising fuel costs, drivers are already considering cutbacks. Sensibly, almost three quarters (70%) of motorists are simply planning on driving less, walking or taking public transport to reduce fuel consumption. Over a fifth (21%) would consider changing their vehicle for a more cost efficient make or model and 5% may resort to car sharing.

Andrew Goodsell, Chief Executive of Saga Group, commented, "It's quite clear that people are feeling the financial strain every time they fill up their vehicle. By taking on board a few simple tips, they can dramatically cut their fuel bills."

In order to help motorist save money Saga Motor insurance recommends five ways to conserve fuel:

1) Cutting back on the use of air-conditioning
2) Streamlining your car by removing roof racks and boxes
3) Driving smoothly by accelerating and braking progressively
4) Changing up through the gears at roughly half your car's rev limit
5) Inflating your tyres to the manufacturer's specification

And busts four myths for conserving fuel:

1) Distributing passenger weight around the cabin
2) Filling your tank in the morning when the weather is cooler. In the UK fuel is stored underground and is less susceptible to changes in ambient temperature
3) Wearing soft footwear
4) Coasting whenever possible; modern cars cut fuelling when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator.

WIN FREE FUEL FOR A YEAR WITH SAGA INSURANCE

Saga Motor, Van and Motorhome Insurance are offering the chance to win free fuel for a year. Anyone who obtains an online quote for Saga Motor, Van or Motorhome Insurance during the month of September 2008 will be entered into a weekly prize draw to win free petrol or diesel. Full terms and conditions are available at:

saga.co.uk/finance/motor
saga.co.uk/finance/vaninsurance
saga.co.uk/insurance/motorhome-insurance