New analysis highlights dangerous refuelling habits amongst UK drivers – with value, comfort, and lack of knowledge all taking part in an element.
A current research from Uswitch automobile insurance coverage has revealed that almost half of UK motorists (49%) delay refuelling their autos till their gas tank is lower than 1 / 4 full – with 22% pushing it to the restrict and ready till the warning gentle comes on.
As well as, nearly two in 5 (39%) drivers admit they don’t fill their tank utterly once they do cease for gas. For a lot of, the explanations are monetary: 38% say they solely price range for rapid driving wants, whereas 33% say they merely can’t afford a full tank. Different drivers cite considerations about carrying additional weight (27%) or not needing a full tank because 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 might 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 because of operating out of gas, and in 2022 alone, the AA attended over 10,500 such incidents throughout the UK.
Comfort Over Value
Regardless of rising gas costs – with unleaded petrol now averaging 139.42p per litre and diesel at 146.58p – solely 17% of drivers actively hunt down the most affordable filling stations. As a substitute, 36% go to their native forecourt and 21% select the closest one on the time, prioritising comfort over value.
With over half (56%) of UK adults reporting an increase in the price of residing this 12 months, it’s little shock that drivers are pondering fastidiously about how a lot they spend on the pump. However these habits could possibly be storing up bother.
Ideas for ADIs and Their Pupils
Leoni Moninska, automobile insurance coverage professional at Uswitch, gives some sensible steerage 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. Attempt 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 secure location, change on hazard lights, and by no means depart your automobile in a harmful place – this might end in an FPN, three penalty factors and a £100 nice.”
She additionally suggests utilizing on-line instruments to search out the most affordable native gas costs, driving extra easily to cut back gas use, and guaranteeing the automobile is well-maintained for optimum effectivity.
A Teachable Second
For Authorized Driving Instructors (ADIs), this analysis gives a precious alternative to boost consciousness amongst pupils about accountable automobile upkeep and journey planning. Understanding the dangers of driving on low gas – and the straightforward methods to save lots of on the pump – varieties an essential a part of growing secure, economical drivers.
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