Shropshire business owner looks to help others save fuel
A Shropshire business owner has drawn up a list of fuel saving tips to help people across the county as the price of fuel hits an all time high.
Stuart Smallwood, of Shrewsbury-based E-Drive West Midlands, has numerous customers with fleets of hire cars who need to cut down on their fuel costs.
He has drawn up a list of tips to help his customers as well as people across the county who are struggling to continue filling up their vehicles.
He said: “It may seem obvious but slowing down is a great tip, it might add a few minutes on to your journey time but it will definitely make a difference.
“I am telling people as well to check their tyre pressure again as it is commonly over looked and underinflated tyres have more resistance.
“Take out the rubbish and don’t carry excess weight in the boot, taking off your roof rack when it is not in use also cuts down on resistance.
“Drive smoothly as sudden starting and stopping is a big fuel guzzler and using the right revs and being in the right gear - it all helps.”
Among the other tips on Stuart’s list is: Do you need the air con on or can you open the window.
Turn off some of the electrical things in your car if you don’t need them.
If the shop is just around the corner do you need to drive? Apart from saving fuel it is a good bit of exercise and it helps the
environment.
Is car sharing to work a possibility, or can you take it in turn with a neighbour to drop the kids off at school.
If you are due to change your car is it worth considering something more economical.
Another great cost for drivers is set to be insurance. Insurance is expected to go up by 34 per cent from last year - the biggest jump since 1994.
Stuart said: “Almost half of the average insurance policy now goes to cover the cost of whiplash claims, fraud, legal fees and tax. While fraud has eaten into insurers’ costs.”
“The number of whiplash claims has risen by 25 per cent in six years. £44 from every motorist’s policy goes to cover fraudulent staged accidents.”
“Along with rising fuel costs the motorist is really feeling the pinch.
“I would say shop around when renewing your insurance it is very easy to except a rise because it is less hassle. If you are a young driver consider taking pass plus test some councils may help with up to 50 per cent of the cost.”
For more information on young drivers and the pass plus test visit the direct.gov.uk website.
