Every petrol and diesel owner has been urged to clear out their car boot this December, with hefty fuel savings up for grabs. Experts at Quotezone have explained that motorists should make sure to “declutter a car” or “clear out the boot” before setting off on journeys to boost fuel economy.
The specialists revealed that removing extras, such as roof boxes, was vital in the winter when they were not in use. Making a car lighter means the car doesn't have to work as hard, saving fuel because less energy is required to move the vehicle.
Quotezone said: “Aerodynamic factors aside, the heavier the car, the harder the engine has to work, resulting in higher fuel consumption. Make sure to declutter your car and clear out the boot to reduce some weight where possible and uninstall extras such as roof boxes when not in use.”
Clearing out heavier items such as sports gear, tools and bikes is likely to make the biggest savings. Most drivers would admit to allowing their vehicle to get cluttered and messy, which can build up over time.
It means that giving the cabin a clean will not only make cars more presentable, but could also come with important fuel benefits as well. Experts at the AA have also previously urged road users to clear out their models and remove roof bars over the winter.
They explained: “The more weight in your car, the more fuel will be required to get it up to speed, so it’s worth having a good clear out of any unnecessary weight. This is particularly true of the boot, especially if it’s full of clutter. Empty it out and only keep the essentials.
“If your vehicle also has removable roof bars on, take them off as these will also increase fuel usage as there will be more drag created. If you want to go a step further, you could think about driving around with less fuel in the car and topping up more regularly – such as always keeping the tank between a quarter and half a tank of fuel.”
Halfords added: “Carrying extra weight in your car will cost you more in fuel. Removing extra weight from your car can significantly improve your fuel economy.”
