A recent ‘tip’ has entered circulation on popular social media platform TikTok, in which drivers have been encouraged to tailgate – or ‘slipstream’ – the vehicle in front of them.
As the F1, motorcycle racing or cycling enthusiasts among us will know, the idea behind this is that the vehicle ahead of you pushes the air aside, creating a gap for you to move into. Because there are fewer particles directly in front of you, the vehicle you’re driving doesn’t need to work as hard and, therefore, consumes less fuel.
It won’t come as a surprise to many of our readers that tailgating another driver is not so much of a ‘hack’ as it is a surefire way to cause an accident. If you try this behind a caravan or motorhome, chances are you won’t even be seen in the rear-view mirror, further increasing the level of danger. Moreover, for slipstreaming to work as intended, you’d need to be within just a few feet of the vehicle you’re closing in on. Please don’t attempt to do this unless you’re Lewis Hamilton.
Tips for saving on the cost of fuel
As the cost of living crisis continues to take its toll on our pockets and fuel prices remain sky-high, there are plenty of other ways for motorists to save money on fuel. Graham Conway, managing director of Select Car Leasing, has shared some of his own useful tips that are safe and, most importantly, won’t risk anyone’s life.
Use cashback schemes and loyalty cards
From Sainsbury’s to Texaco, plenty of supermarkets and petrol stations offer cashback schemes and loyalty cards to encourage customers to return. When you buy fuel at a station, all you have to do is swipe your card and points are awarded to your account.
For example, BP offers a scheme where every 200 points earned by a customer allows for £1 off fuel and shopping. Similarly, a Tesco Clubcard gives you a point for every £2 spent filling up your vehicle at one of the supermarket’s petrol stations, which can then be translated into savings.
Be conscious of how much you’re topping up
Something that is guaranteed to help you spend less money on fuel is keeping a consumption notebook in your glovebox, or a record on the notes app of your phone.
Each time you visit a petrol station, jot down how much fuel you’ve bought to get from A to B. This will help you to be sure you’re only paying for what you require. Remember, prices are often changing, so make sure to record consumption in litres, not pounds.
Plan your touring route carefully
One of the greatest benefits of holidaying in your caravan or motorhome is that the world really is your oyster. You can take all kinds of routes to get to your destination and sometimes, that’s how you make the best memories.
However, if you need to get from A to B, select the option on your sat-nav to plot the fastest route available. This means you’ll avoid areas of dense traffic and some devices even help you to avoid fuel-heavy routes that feature obstacles like large hills.
Turn off your engine where possible
If your vehicle is stationary for prolonged periods of time, such as in heavy traffic or while waiting at lights, switching off the engine will consume less fuel. Many newer vehicles are fitted with an automatic ‘stop-start’ as standard for this reason.
Switch to electric
If you have the funds available, it’s worth considering trading in your petrol or diesel-dependent vehicle for an electric one. The initial costs will be high, but you’ll reap significant long-term financial benefits.
An electric vehicle can save you money on fuel and they’re also cost-effective to maintain, as there are fewer moving parts within them compared to traditional motors, often leading to cheaper service costs.
If you’re worried about how electric cars perform when towing, there’s been a major shift in recent years.
Photo credit: Sergio Souza / Pexels
