Three ways YOU can save fuel this winter – from traffic jam hack to free parking trick
MOTORING experts have revealed three winter driving hacks you can use to save fuel, including advice on handling traffic jams and a parking trick.
With the competition watchdog suggesting that drivers are being squeezed for profit by oil firms, using these handy tips could save you big at the pumps.
The Competition and Markets Authority has said it is "concerned" about the widening of profit margins on forecourts in light of falling oil prices.
The price of a litre of unleaded is most affected by three factors - the price of the oil used to make it, the rate of tax charged on it, and the amount of profit retailers factor in.
Despite the barrel price of oil actually dropping in recent months and the Chancellor maintaining Fuel Duty freeze for another year, prices have remained relatively stable.
And the agency's latest research might indicate why that is, with the data showing that retailers' profit margins grew by between 1.1% and 2.4% between April and August.
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With that in mind, the team at has shared their advice for boosting your fuel economy during the colder months and cutting costs on fuel bills.
The most important thing to do is to avoid idling (leaving the engine running while you're stationary).
The experts estimated that larger vehicles could be burning up to 7,000 litres of fuel a year while standing still.
Not only could this habit be very costly, it's also recently been made illegal.
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Remembering to switch off your engine when you stop for extended periods could save you a fine of up to £80, depending on where you are in the country.
Even if you're just stuck in a traffic jam, you should make sure to turn the key when you're not expecting to move within the next 30 seconds or so.
Many modern motors also make use of auto stop/start functions which turn the engine off when you stop in neutral, which can usually be enabled from the settings menu.
Other than that, you should be sure to keep an eye on your tyre pressures to get the best efficiency you can.
If your tyres are starting to go flat, this creates extra rolling resistance with the road surface, meaning the car has to work harder to stay at the same speed.
Overall, you could end up using more fuel than you otherwise would just to get the same performance out of your vehicle.
Always ensure that the tyres are inflated within the pressure ranges recommended by the manufacturer, which can be found in the owner's manual.
Finally, where you park is also vital, especially in colder weather.
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The team explained that parking in a garage where possible will help maintain a better temperature and make ignition smoother.
It also makes it easier to warm the engine up to operating temperature without using excess fuel.