Drivers warned to avoid common fuel mistake that could end up wasting money

Car filling up with fuel
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)


Anybody who drives a petrol-powered car has been urged to avoid one common error whilst filling up, as it can end up costing a lot of money when it usually doesn't need to be done.

Saving money is a priority for plenty of drivers at the moment due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, especially when it comes tot fuel, as this is one of the most expensive thing about owning a car.

And if you often reach for the 'premium' petrol, it might be best to stop doing this. That's the advice from consumer experts at Which?, who have shared a couple of new tips for drivers who are looking to save money.

The money-saving pros created a short video shared on their website showcasing some simple ways which drivers can reduce their running costs during the cost of living crisis, with motorists being urged to steer clear of the 'premium' unleaded pump.

They said: "If you fill up with premium unleaded, think again. The cost usually outweighs the benefit on most standard cars. So unless you've got a car that specifically says premium fuel, fill it up with standard."

According to the motoring experts at the RAC, if you own a high-performance car, a premium fuel may improve driving performance and fuel efficiency - and it might even be required by the manufacturer.

That's because some brands include a package of fuel additives in their premium fuel, like detergent, which are designed to keep the internal parts of the engine clean - especially the fuel injection system.

However, if your car doesn't require this kind of fuel, then you can save money just by using the standard.

The experts at Which? also recommended heading to supermarket forecourts when you need to fill up, rather than smaller branches, as fuel is often cheaper there. Places like Costco could also be more cost-effective.

However, you can actually find the cheapest prices in your local area by downloading apps such as PetrolPrices, which will point you in the direction of more affordable fuel.

And if you're guilty of putting your foot down when you need to get somewhere, this could also end up costing you more money. The experts advised that driving at 80mph uses 25 percent more fuel than driving at 70mph, which uses 9 percent more than doing 60mph.

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