New analysis highlights dangerous refuelling habits amongst UK drivers – with price, comfort, and lack of expertise all enjoying an element.
A current examine from Uswitch automotive insurance coverage has revealed that almost half of UK motorists (49%) delay refuelling their automobiles till their gas tank is lower than 1 / 4 full – with 22% pushing it to the restrict and ready till the warning mild comes on.
As well as, virtually two in 5 (39%) drivers admit they don’t fill their tank utterly after they do cease for gas. For a lot of, the explanations are monetary: 38% say they solely finances for fast driving wants, whereas 33% say they merely can’t afford a full tank. Different drivers cite issues about carrying further weight (27%) or not needing a full tank on account of rare driving (26%).
A Dangerous Technique
Regardless of the potential risks, many drivers stay unaware of the dangers related to persistently driving on low gas. Based on the survey:
- 41% didn’t know sediment or particles may construct up within the gas tank
- 51% had been unaware this might harm the gas pump and filter
- 37% didn’t realise low gas will increase the chance of breaking down
Alarmingly, 9% weren’t conscious of any damaging penalties in any respect
Nearly one in 5 (18%) have skilled a breakdown on account of operating out of gas, and in 2022 alone, the AA attended over 10,500 such incidents throughout the UK.
Comfort Over Price
Regardless of rising gas costs – with unleaded petrol now averaging 139.42p per litre and diesel at 146.58p – solely 17% of drivers actively search out the most cost effective filling stations. As a substitute, 36% go to their native forecourt and 21% select the closest one on the time, prioritising comfort over price.
With over half (56%) of UK adults reporting an increase in the price of dwelling this 12 months, it’s little shock that drivers are considering fastidiously about how a lot they spend on the pump. However these habits might be storing up hassle.
Ideas for ADIs and Their Pupils
Leoni Moninska, automotive insurance coverage knowledgeable at Uswitch, affords some sensible steering to keep away from fuel-related points:
“Be sure you have sufficient gas earlier than any journey,” she advises. “This can be a primary requirement beneath The Freeway Code (Rule 97) and helps keep away from emergencies. Strive to not let your tank drop under 1 / 4.”
Within the occasion of a fuel-related breakdown, she urges drivers to prioritise security: “Transfer to a protected location, change on hazard lights, and by no means depart your car in a harmful place – this might lead to an FPN, three penalty factors and a £100 wonderful.”
She additionally suggests utilizing on-line instruments to seek out the most cost effective native gas costs, driving extra easily to scale back gas use, and guaranteeing the car is well-maintained for optimum effectivity.
A Teachable Second
For Authorised Driving Instructors (ADIs), this analysis affords a beneficial alternative to boost consciousness amongst pupils about accountable car upkeep and journey planning. Understanding the dangers of driving on low gas – and the easy methods to save lots of on the pump – varieties an necessary a part of growing protected, economical drivers.
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