The cost of car insurance for young drivers combined with the overall cost of motoring can be a huge burden on young people's often small budgets. With premiums shown to be rising substantially in recent months, it is sensible to consider other ways to reduce driving bills.
Hoot Car Insurance Services has decided to take a closer look at fuel cost-cutters. Everyone wants to save money and petrol savers could make the difference between affording the next night out or having to stay in as the sad 'Billy No Mates'.
Take a look at these tips to cut down gas-guzzling and pocket a little extra cash to make life more worthwhile and enjoyable when not motoring - or put it towards the cost of cheaper young driver insurance!
Improve fuel efficiency with good tyres
Good tyres do help provided they are at the right pressure. If tyre pressure is too low, this could use up as much as eight per cent more fuel.
Keep speed down to use less fuel
The average car's petrol or diesel consumption can go up by 15% for every 10mph above 55mph. Cut down speed from 70mph to 50mph and expect to burn a staggering 25 per cent less fuel.
A car's economy is helped by reducing weight
Remember to keep down a vehicle's weight and expect to reduce fuel consumption. Every 50kg of weight removed from a car is forecast to save two per cent in filling up costs.
Is air conditioning cheaper fuel-wise than opening windows?
Interesting one - the answer is yes and no. Having all car windows open at high speeds produces a great deal of fuel-burning drag, so some experts reckon gentle air conditioning may be a more efficient alternative. However, super-cold settings at lower speeds will eat up fuel. Best advice is to be aware of different air conditioning fuel consumption at high and low speeds and act accordingly.
Change driving style to make a big petrol and diesel savings
Substantial savings can be made by driving more economically. Harsh braking and acceleration has been shown to use more than 30 per cent extra fuel.
At the same time, motorists who change their driving style will be driving less hastily and more safely. All in all, this is a major advantage avoiding speeding tickets as well as cutting premiums of insurance for young drivers.