Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury's drivers warned to remove item from car before filling up

Drivers could cut fuel use by up to 25 per cent by removing one item from the car. Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons drivers who are filling up as prices at the pumps skyrocket have been told to remove an item from their car to save cash and cut fuel usage - be it petrol or diesel.

Motoring experts at CarShop have warned car roof racks can “decrease aero-efficiency” and therefore increase drag. Experts suggested that the simple tool could drain fuel by as much as 25 per cent amid the Cost of Living crisis.

They explained: “Cars are designed to be as aerodynamic as possible, meaning they are designed to reduce drag but external additions can decrease this aero-efficiency and increase drag. Roof racks and boxes are common additions to cars but can add to fuel consumption as research suggests driving with a roof box uses up to 25 per cent more fuel.

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"Many may think this is due to the roof box itself but even an empty roof rack uses up to 15 percent more fuel. Helpful tip - having open sunroofs and windows can also cause unnecessary, by only having these open when necessary you can improve fuel efficiency.”

BookMyGarage commented: “If you have lots of heavy items sat in your car at all times, then you might be using more fuel than necessary. The less clutter weighing down your car, the less fuel you will need to power it.

"Be sure to remove any bike racks or roof boxes that are not in use - roof boxes increase fuel consumption and create significant wind resistance.” In reply to the warning, a motorist joked: "I was astonished how much fuel I saved when I removed the piano I had forgotten about on the roof rack."

A second sniped: "You can reduce fuel use by 100% by removing one item from your car - The Driver! That's exactly what the government is trying to achieve!"