Experts are urging drivers to make minor changes to their motoring habits to save money on fuel and boost the efficiency of their vehicles.
Research from the RAC has found that petrol and diesel prices are continuing to rise despite the extension of the 5p per litre cut in fuel duty.
The average price for unleaded petrol is now 149.71p per litre, while diesel is rapidly approaching the £1.60 mark.
Further fuel price misery is present at motorway service stations with drivers paying an average of 170p for petrol and 179p for diesel.
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Drivers have been urged to shop around when getting fuel
PAWith the growing cost of fuel, drivers are looking for ways to slash their costs and improve the efficiency of their vehicles.
Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, has urged drivers to ensure they are safe on the road, as this will help them better conserve their fuel.
Drivers who have returned from holiday over the Easter break or are preparing for their summer holidays may already have a roof rack or bike rack for the rear of their vehicle.
While it can seem practical when they're going on holiday or need to carry extra weight, it will have a huge impact on their fuel economy.
The added weight of the bike rack or roof box will be significant, even if it's empty, and drivers can expect to see a clear drop in their efficiency.
Sheehan said: "Roof bars and roof boxes can create wind resistance, causing your vehicle to waste more fuel because of the so-called ‘drag’ effect.
"According to studies, an empty roof rack can increase drag by about 16 per cent at 75mph, while an unused roof box adds up to 39 per cent more.
"This means that as well as slowing you down, you’ll be using more fuel.
"So, if you’re not using your roof bar or roof box, remove it to save money and minimise your emissions."
Motorists are also urged to ensure they shop around when looking to fill up as they will be able to make savings depending on which forecourt they visit.
Supermarkets have slightly cheaper prices, being between two and four pence cheaper per litre, with data showing that Sainsbury's has the lowest average price.
The price disparity between the lowest and highest costs for the "big four" supermarkets is generally around 10p per litre, Asda's highest price is 174.9p - 35p more expensive per litre than their lowest cost.
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Sainsbury's petrol stations tend to be the cheapest of the 'big four'
PA
Non-supermarket forecourts are also offering cheap prices, with Essar selling fuel for an average of 145.9p, while Shell and BP garages tend to be the most expensive.
