Keeping your vehicle clean can have a significant impact on fuel consumption, potentially saving drivers around £200 a year.

In a recent report by BirminghamLive, it was revealed that simply washing your vehicle and keeping it free from dirt and grime can lead to major savings on fuel costs. Graham Conway, the managing director at Select Car Leasing, explained that a clean vehicle can average around two miles per gallon (mpg) more than a dirty one. Over the course of a year, this could save drivers around £200 if they cover approximately 8,000 miles.

The main reason behind this fuel efficiency improvement is aerodynamics. When a car is clean and free from dirt, it has a smoother and more streamlined surface, which minimizes drag and allows it to travel through the air more easily. Car manufacturers design vehicles to be as aerodynamic as possible, and any dirt or debris on the surface can disrupt this design and increase friction, leading to lower fuel efficiency.

In addition to aerodynamics, dirt also adds weight to the vehicle, further impacting fuel efficiency. As motorists continue to face the challenge of rising fuel costs, keeping their vehicles clean becomes an effective way to save money. Dirty surfaces limit airflow and increase friction, resulting in a lower mpg rating.

As winter approaches and the nights get darker, it is also recommended to keep windshields clean and smear-free. This helps to avoid potentially blinding glare from the headlights of other motorists. It is important to note that driving with a dirty windshield can be considered careless driving, even if an accident is not the driver’s fault.

In conclusion, maintaining a clean vehicle not only enhances its appearance but also improves fuel efficiency. By washing your car regularly and keeping it free from dirt and grime, you can potentially save around £200 a year on fuel costs, based on an estimated 8,000 miles of driving. So, as we head into the festive season, consider this simple trick to cut your diesel and petrol bills and save some extra pounds in your pocket.