Nobody relishes the prospect of substantial petrol bills, and there's a straightforward step you can take to prevent escalating costs. The AA (Automobile Association) confirms there are adjustments you can implement daily to cut your fuel consumption, and some are simpler than you might imagine whilst making a significant difference.
One involves pressing a button you probably use frequently, as you may not realise it shouldn't always be turned on. Specialists say deactivating a commonly used button is essential to reducing petrol expenses, and ensuring you can run your vehicle without adding excessively to your outgoings.
It's not the only petrol guidance to emerge recently either. Lately, it was also revealed some motorists could face extra petrol charges this year.
The discussion recently surfaced on Reddit, when one social media user asked: "Does turning the air conditioning (AC) up use meaningfully more fuel? I have a 2007 Camry.
"Just wondering, because if not, I'll just switch it on all the time." The query rapidly sparked debate.
One respondent replied, saying: "I used to do 1600km round trips all the time. The amount of extra fuel used was negligible.
"Seriously, it was that small of a difference. Racing between traffic lights had more impact than the AC."
Another person chimed in: "There are lots of figures thrown about, but many reckon it uses about an extra 5% of fuel by having the AC on. I live in Brisbane, and I'm happy to sacrifice an extra 25km per tank in order to swan around in a cool atmosphere and not sweat."
A third user responded: "Difference in a car that age would be marginal. My first Commodore (80s built) would use 10% more fuel with the AC on though."
Meanwhile, a fourth contributor noted: "I look at the fuel usage on my dash and it has never made a difference from summer to winter, and I leave the AC on all through summer.
"Something funny though, my wife's grandparents over in England never turn their radio on because they think it drains the battery quicker."
The AA website offers various tips on how motorists can minimise fuel consumption, and it appears pressing one simple button could help. Turning off the AC when it's not required could make a significant difference.
The guidance states: "Though you should never drive around at an uncomfortable temperature, be mindful of not using your car's air conditioning or climate control more than you need to, as it could have a very negative impact on fuel economy.
"Having it turned on puts a greater strain on the engine and subsequently uses more fuel. Some cars also have a 'driver only' setting for the air conditioning if you're travelling on your own. The same also applies to other electrical appliances in the car, such as heated seats and demisters."
The advice continues: "Keeping your car’s engine running while stopped for any length of time is not only bad for the environment, but it also means you will use more fuel too, harming fuel economy significantly.
"So, if you’re parked up, avoid leaving the engine idling and turn it off to maintain fuel supplies. Similarly, if you have a newer car with stop/start technology, have this turned on so that it automatically cuts in and out when you’re in traffic or waiting in traffic jams."
