Diesel Prices Lowest Since 2010

The BBC reported today that the average price of diesel has fallen below 113p per litre for the first time since January 2010*. Supermarkets have cut their forecourt prices, and diesel prices were lower than petrol prices for the first time since July 2001.

Petrol prices have also fallen this week which is welcome news for all motorists. There is a handy tool at Petrol Prices website which allows you to find the lowest fuel prices in your area. If you sign in, you can change the settings on the finder tool to look for cheapest diesel, LPG or premium diesel as well as petrol in your area and also check more than one postcode.

Whatever the cost of fuel, the Good Garage Scheme recommends that you visit your local member garage to ensure your are getting the most from what you buy. A clean engine is an efficient engine. Ensure your car is working as efficiently as it can, and make the most of every drop of fuel.

Visit www.Good Garage Scheme.com to find a garage you can trust.

*Source: Experian Catalist information group report

New Year - New Car?

If you are thinking of buying a new car this year, be prepared with handy advice courtesy of the Institute of Advanced Motoring (IAM).

The prospect of a shiny new car is exciting. But don’t make a hasty decision. With advances in the latest road safety technology and the latest technical features in new cars, try to get the most out of your money.

Firstly, decide on the type of car you need. Do you need to ferry the children around and make the school run? Or do you want a car with enough luggage space for the holidays you have planned. It may be your car is simply a means to get from A to B. Just make sure your choice fits the purpose.

While we’re often led by the way the car looks, it’s important to be clear on your budget from the start. Make sure you know how much you are able to spend. The price displayed often isn’t the total price of the car. There are other costs to factor in such as insurance cost and other running costs too.

Don’t forget to check for hidden extras. There’s nothing worse than finalising the details of the car and then learn that there are additional charges for number plates and delivery.

It’s often the question on everyone’s mind. Petrol or diesel? Check out the running costs before you buy. Diesel cars offer better fuel economy but are more expensive. It’s important to factor in car depreciation. Think about how much the car will decrease in value in its first three years and how this will affect the price of the car if sold second-hand. VED is related to carbon emissions, so the lower the emissions, the better.

Once you know your budget, work out how you will be financing the car. Whether you’ll be taking out a loan, asking family and friends or using your savings, it’s important to plan a budget. Don’t be swayed by something out of your price range.

Most importantly, test drive it. There’s no other way of knowing if you’ll like it without driving it. Remember, if you’re going to spend a long time in it commuting, you need to make sure it’s what you want.

The Good Garage Scheme would like to thank the IAM for this week's guest blog. For more information on the Institute of Advanced Motoring, please visit www.iam.org.uk.

Top Ten Most Expensive Countries in which to buy petrol

A new report, from specialist commercial motor insurance broker Staveley Head, has revealed that there are SIX countries where it’s dearer to buy petrol than here in the UK.

However, as a percentage of monthly income expenditure on petrol, only four countries appear higher in the table than the UK. 

According to their study, fuel in the UK has an average price of 142.48p per litre for petrol and 147.88p per litre for diesel.

Staveley Head add that the planned increase in fuel duty in August will mean a leap from seventh in the world to fourth at current prices.

The full table

Country	Price per litre (£)	Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol* (%)
Norway	1.64	7.4
Turkey	1.62	34.2
Netherlands	1.48	10
Italy	1.46	15.5
Greece	1.45	25.4
Denmark	1.43	8.1
UK	1.42	10.3
Sweden	1.41	7.7
Eritrea	1.41	61.1
Belgium	1.4	8.7

*Monthly petrol costs are based on an individual owning a car that does 37.8 MPG, driving 12,000 miles a year.

How to make your fuel last longer

Have you sat in a queue to buy petrol this week? Are you thinking about a journey you may not be able to make in a couple of weeks time because you won't be able to fill up again?  

  

It now seems that a strike over the Easter weekend has been ruled out completely so we have a break from the fuel worries for the holiday weekend, but this is a timely reminder that most of us are reliant on fuel, despite the escalating prices now exceeding over 140p a litre.

Could you squeeze more miles out of your tank by becoming a more efficient motorist?

Potential saving on fuel over a year

According to the AA, taking steps to drive more efficiently can result in an average 10% saving, with some people saving more than 30% on their fuel costs. If you spend £50 on fuel a week, then that’s potentially a £2600 a year saving. 

First step to saving fuel
If you’re ready to save some money then the first thing to do is have a good look at your car. Is it running at peak efficiency?

Make sure it’s been serviced regularly as this is essential to maintaining engine efficiency. Also, check your tyre pressure is what the handbook recommends, as under-inflated tyres are more resistant, causing the car to use more fuel.

Your handbook probably also recommends changing the pressure for heavier loads, so always check you have the best tyre pressure possible.

Don’t carry unnecessary weight in the car and ditch the roof rack if you aren’t using it. Making the car heavier or more wind resistant means it needs more fuel to run.

Of course, some cars are more efficient than others and it’s worth bearing this in mind when you’re next in the market for a new or second-hand vehicle.

For more information about the best car to choose, visit DirectGov's useful link here.  

Drivers can get the most from their fuel by:

Avoiding unnecessary use of the brakes Speeding towards red lights and then braking, for example, is just a waste of fuel. Aim to accelerate and decelerate more slowly by reading the road ahead. You’ll save money and be a safer driver. 

Driving at the speed limit is most efficient The AA states that driving at 70mph uses as much as 9% more fuel than driving at 60mph.

Thinking ahead about using the air conditioning Air conditioning is the enemy of efficient driving, so if you’re just motoring around town then open a window instead. Use the air con on the motorway, where open windows increase the drag which is less efficient.

Other ways you can save fuel

• Plan journeys carefully in advance so the danger of getting lost is avoided.
• Switch off the engine when you’re stuck at a crossing or stationary in a traffic jam.
• Turn two trips into one by carefully planning your day's car journey 

• Keep an eye on your mileage and aim to reduce it week by week.

 

Visit your local Good Garage Scheme member who can advise you if your car is running most efficiently.