Petrol and diesel drivers urged to save £120 on fuel and boost efficiency with simple tyre check
Drivers could save around £120 a year on fuel costs
GETTY/PA
Experts are calling on motorists to make small changes to their driving habits to help save money when they visit filling stations as fuel prices continue to fluctuate.
According to the latest data from RAC Fuel Watch, drivers are paying an average of 145p per litre for petrol and more than £1.50 for diesel.
While prices are expected to fall in the near future, many drivers are continuing to struggle with fuel costs and the impact they are having on finances.
One expert has called on drivers to look at a "little-known element of vehicle maintenance that can significantly improve fuel economy" and potentially save £120 a year.
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Drivers have been advised to get their wheels aligned when they get new tyres
GETTYBy aligning and balancing the wheels, drivers can ensure their wheels rotate evenly and smoothly, helping to distribute the weight equally across the car.
Aligning the wheels can also help correct the angles of the tyres so they touch the road in the most efficient way.
Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, explained that wheels should be balanced every time they fit new tyres, with alignment required if they replace parts of the suspension or hit a deep pothole.
He added: "A sure sign that your tyres aren’t balanced, or they’re out of alignment, is a juddering through the steering wheel or if your car pulls slightly to one side or the other when going in a straight line.
“Some estimates say that poor wheel alignment can decrease fuel efficiency by seven per cent.
"Over the course of a year, you’re potentially looking at an overall saving of around £120 on fuel alone. It’s a significant amount.”
Generally, wheel balancing will cost drivers around £10 per wheel and is usually factored into the cost when replacing tyres, with wheel alignment starting from around £40.
It is also vital that wheels are aligned to ensure the car is not damaged when going over a pothole or poorly paved road as it places more stress on suspension parts and the tyres.
Conway highlighted how braking could also be compromised with misaligned wheels, as it could leave drivers veering on the road when they press down on the brakes.
For further fuel savings, drivers should avoid motorway service stations when filling up on a long journey.
On average, drivers are paying more than 20p per litre more than regular filling stations with prices of 166p per litre for petrol and a staggering 172.57p for diesel.
Given the captive audience they cater to, motorway service stations can charge far higher premiums to get people further along on their journeys.
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Major retailers and supermarkets have maintained high fuel margins to boost profits while overcharging hard-pressed motorists.
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