Posted on the 6th July 2026 in PHTM News
BEAT THE HEAT BUT DONT BREAK THE BANK: SUMMER DRIVING HABITS CAN DRAIN YOUR FUEL TANK
As temperatures soar across the UK, motorists are being warned that common air-conditioning mistakes and poor summer driving habits could cost them dearly at the fuel pump.
Tim Rodie, a driving expert at Motorpoint, warns that blasting the air conditioning can heavily drain your fuel, but simply rolling down the windows isn't always the best fix.
"Motorists looking to go longer between filling up might think just opening the windows is an obvious alternative but, at higher speeds, this can make your car less aerodynamic - meaning you'll be using more fuel," Rodie explains.
He advises drivers to mix it up depending on where they are travelling: "As a rule, opening your windows is best when driving around at lower speeds around town and air conditioning is more efficient if you're on the motorway."
Drivers should also resist the temptation to leave their engine idling to pre-cool a scorching vehicle before getting inside. Modern systems cool cars down quickly once moving, and idling drastically cuts fuel efficiency. Furthermore, leaving a running car unattended exposes drivers to crime.
"Idling is terrible for fuel efficiency, but there's an even more important reason why you shouldn't be leaving your car unattended with the engine running when cooling down - the risk of it being stolen," Rodie warns, noting that most insurance policies will reject claims if a vehicle is stolen with the keys left inside.
Experts also note that if your air conditioning feels weak, it should be checked immediately, as a malfunctioning system still burns fuel without delivering the benefits.
To stretch your petrol or diesel further during summer driving, experts recommend a few straightforward adjustments. Planning your journey in advance can prevent your car from guzzling fuel in heavy traffic, and drivers should use stop-start technology or safely cut the engine when at a complete standstill.
Mapping out fuel stops ahead of time helps avoid the premium prices charged at motorway services.
Finally, drivers can boost efficiency by checking their tyre pressure at least once a month to reduce friction, avoiding harsh acceleration, and strictly adhering to the speed limit, as driving faster directly lowers the number of miles you can get out of a single tank.
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