“The cheap family motoring break is a thing of the past,” says Neil Greig, IAM Trust Director. “Record high fuel prices have not only sharply increased the cost of an Easter getaway, they have also wiped out the financial benefits of driving a new fuel-efficient car.”
According to the IAM Trust:
- the real fuel cost for a typical family break of 1,000 miles has risen by more than a third since 2003, in spite of today’s cars squeezing around 5 per cent more miles out of every litre of fuel
- fuel increases since 2003 have eliminated the cost benefits of more efficient engines, eg 1000 miles in a new diesel Ford Focus in 2003 cost £79.58 (petrol £106.08). The same trip in a new diesel Focus today will cost £108.65 (petrol £136.99)
- it’s even worse for families who cannot afford a new car, eg a five-year old Focus will use around 5 per cent more fuel than a brand new model, raising their bill to £114.78(petrol 146.89), if driven frugally. (See Notes to editors)
On your next motoring holiday, you can ease hard-pressed budgets by dealing with the common fuel wasters that, together, can increase costs by nearly 40 per cent.*
“Dealing with fuel wasters that you can control helps cut the extra costs that you can’t,” says Neil Greig.
IAM advice for eliminating fuel wasters:
underinflated tyres waste fuel and wear out quicker. Just 5 psi under the right pressure will use up to 3 per cent more fuel
- check pressures before setting off when the tyres are cold
top boxes and roof racks add 20 per cent to fuel consumption at 70 mph
- remove racks and top boxes once you’re at your destination
air conditioning increases fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent - turn off air conditioning when the outside temperature is below 18C
speeding at 80mph uses up to 15 per cent more fuel than travelling at 70mph
- stick to speed limits – save fuel costs and avoid fines
motorway service areas charge more for fuel, food and drinks than off-motorway outlets
- while it’s important to take regular breaks on the journey, filing up near home, as well as taking your own food and drink, can save around £15 on a 1000 mile round trip
hurried or aggressive driving wastes up to 15 per cent more fuel
- allow plenty of time for the journey, stay well back from the vehicle ahead to minimise braking; and relax, it’s a holiday
*For example, for a ‘Focus’ family trip, increasing the cost by £65.19 – £108.65 to £173.84 (diesel), and by £82.19 – £136.99 to £219.18 (petrol).
ends
Media contacts
Neil Greig 020 8996 9772 neil.greig@iamtrust.org.uk
Barry Walsh 020 8996 9776 barry.walsh@iamtrust.org.uk
Notes to editors
In addition to costs for the Ford Focus, the IAM Trust holds costs for:
Vauxhall Corsa, Ford Fiesta, Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Vectra, Vauxhall Meriva and Renault Espace
ends all
