Everyone with a car in the UK urged to check their boot this week
Owning a car can be an extremely costly affair. The price of insurance, road tax and petrol can all rack up, not to mention repairs, so it's vital to try and save money wherever possible.
According to one motoring expert, clearing out your car boot is a quick way to save cash, and all drivers are being urged to do it immediately. Kazimieras Urbonas, supplier excellence manager at Ovoko, says that motorists are literally carrying around the reason their fuel bills are higher than necessary.
And while the issue seems minor, it could cause your petrol costs to rocket.
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He said: "Too many drivers are unaware that what they're storing in their boot could be costing them money every single day. That bag of sports equipment you've been meaning to take out for weeks, the toolbox that's lived in your car since summer, or the roof rack you haven't used since your last holiday: they're all quietly increasing how much you spend at the pump."
Every additional 50kg of weight in your vehicle increases fuel consumption by approximately 2%. For the average UK driver covering 7,400 miles per year, this seemingly small percentage can translate to dozens of pounds wasted annually, reports the Express.
"Think about what's sitting in your boot right now," the expert stated. "A set of golf clubs weighs around 15kg, a toolbox can be 10-20kg, spare tyres are typically 8-10kg each, and that bike you've been meaning to use? That's another 15kg. Before you know it, you're carrying an extra 50kg or more without even realising it."
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It's an even bigger problem for motorists who make regular short trips or drive in stop-start traffic conditions, as city driving already consumes more fuel due to constant acceleration and braking. The extra weight only makes the problem worse.
Taking a moment to clear out your car boot doesn't just save you money on fuel though. Reduced strain on the engine can mean decreased wear and tear over time, potentially lowering repair expenses.
And a lighter vehicle places less stress on tyres, which could extend their lifespan.
For families making longer trips to visit relatives, the savings become even more apparent. A 400-mile round trip to see family, which might typically cost £60 in fuel, could cost less with a lighter, more aerodynamic vehicle.
Kazimieras continued: "Taking 20 minutes to clear out your boot and remove unused roof racks is one of the simplest ways to cut fuel costs. Start by removing anything you haven't used in the past month. Keep only genuine essentials like your spare tyre, a basic toolkit, and a high-visibility vest.
"Check your tyre pressures regularly as well. Under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%, so this simple check at the petrol station can make a real difference. Combine that with a lighter car, and you're looking at meaningful savings."