As the ongoing conflict in Iran continues to drive up petrol and diesel prices, drivers are being encouraged to make simple adjustments to reduce fuel consumption. Saul Turner, motoring expert and general manager at National Scrap Car, highlights four items that should be removed from vehicles to improve fuel efficiency.
Turner advises motorists to eliminate excess and unnecessary weight from their cars. Examples include roof racks, golf clubs, clutter in the boot, and accumulated rubbish. “Removing excess weight decreases the energy needed to move the vehicle, enhancing fuel efficiency,” he explains. Notably, an empty roof rack can increase fuel consumption by up to 20% due to added aerodynamic drag.
Damon Jowett, Director of Customer, Roadside & Network Services at Green Flag, echoes this advice: “Clearing clutter from the boot and footwells reduces the car’s weight and promotes more efficient driving. Roof boxes, bike racks, and carriers should be taken off when not in use since they increase drag and fuel consumption at higher speeds.”
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Martin Lewis, the well-known Money Saving Expert, also stresses the importance of removing roof racks. “If the roof rack is empty, get rid of it. It’s highly inefficient because it causes extra air resistance on motorways, increasing fuel use,” Lewis warns.
Meanwhile, RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis outlines the current fuel price trends: “Petrol prices have risen by 0.6p in the past week to an average of 157.6p per litre—the highest since April 20 and just under 1p shy of the peak set after the Iran conflict began. Diesel prices have seen a slight decrease but remain high at around 188p per litre, about 3.5p below last month’s peak.”
Dennis adds, “Oil prices remain volatile, and only a sustained drop over several weeks—not just days—will help drivers see a real reduction at the pump.”
With fuel prices at record highs, following these simple tips to reduce weight and drag on your vehicle could lead to noticeable savings on every journey.