Reversing into spaces 'could save £100 a year'
Date: 28/07/2008 13:01:18
Motorists could save up to £2 per week in petrol just by reversing into parking spaces rather than driving in forwards, a driving group has said.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) said reversing out of a space when a car's engine is cold uses around 20 to 25 times more petrol in the first few seconds than it does when warm.
Officials added doing this ten to 12 times a week would add up to a cost of about £100 a year in wasted fuel.
The IAM said: "New data from the IAM Motoring Trust shows it takes an average five-year-old car a minute and a half for the engine to warm up and the most efficient way to warm it up is by driving it."
Reversing a vehicle close to a wall could also make it harder for thieves to gain access to the boot, the group said.
Drivers looking to cut their regular costs could also go online to get car insurance quotes to land a cheaper deal.
Motorists could also consider eco-driving tips from the Department for Transport, such as ensuring tyres are inflated at the correct pressure.