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Why Does My MPG Keep Going Up and Down?

Calculating your miles per gallon (MPG) is one of the best ways to measure your fuel economy and keep tabs on performance. Like the name suggests, it’s used to measure how many miles a vehicle can travel on a single gallon of fuel. What many motorists don’t expect are big fluctuations in MPG. So why does your MPG keep going up and down? In this article, we unpack everything you need to know about MPG and offer some common reasons why yours might be fluctuating.

Your fuel injectors are blocked

Blocked or damaged fuel injectors can compromise fuel economy and drag down your MPG. The injectors distribute fuel to each cylinder, ideally at a rate that matches the air and heat levels within the engine. Blocked or damaged injectors can limit the amount of fuel being sent to the cylinders and cause your MPG to drop. A quick clean can fix the problem or in a worst-case scenario you may need to replace the injectors.

Your fuel filter is blocked

Fuel filters play a critical role in catching impurities before they reach the engine and can damage sensitive components. “Why does my MPG keep going up and down?” – a clogged fuel filter could be the answer. In general, fuel filters should be switched out every 30,000 miles.

Your oxygen sensor is faulty

Instead of carburettors, newer vehicles use oxygen sensors to ensure the right amount of air and fuel is sent to the engine. Faulty sensors can throw off the balance and cause your MPG to rise and fall. As a rule of thumb, oxygen sensors should be replaced every 100,000 miles or so. As well as improving fuel economy, a fully functional oxygen sensor helps to minimise emissions.

Your ignition system is faulty

The ignition system is made up of multiple components, including spark plugs, wires and coils. When one or more malfunctions it can cause the engine to misfire and leave unburned petrol in your cylinders. This can affect your MPG and compromise engine performance.

Your engine filter is clogged

A clogged engine filter prevents your car from “breathing” and can cause your vehicle to burn through more fuel. If you’re wondering why your MPG keeps going up and down, this could be the reason. The issue is particularly prevalent in older vehicles that use carburettors to blend fuel and air.

Your piston rings are worn out

Piston rings create a seal on the cylinders of your engine to generate pressure. As they wear out, pressure can drop, which compromises fuel economy and affects MPG. Routine oil changes will help keep your piston rings well lubricated. They’ll eventually need to be replaced, usually after every 30,000 miles.

Enjoy gold-standard MPG with My Car Credit

If you’re sick of asking “why does my MPG keep going up and down”, why not consider upgrading your set of wheels? Newer cars are generally far more fuel efficient than their older counterparts. If you’re thinking of investing in a new ride, don’t hesitate to get in touch with My Car Credit to discuss auto finance options. We’ll help you calculate exactly how much car finance costs and connect you with the best lenders in the UK.

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£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
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Typical rate

Loan amount

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X% APR*

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Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

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How Much is Fuel Taxed?

The taxation of fuel depends on a number of factors, including VAT and fuel duty, as well as the price of fuel itself.

How does fuel duty impact total fuel taxation?

Fuel duty refers to the tax that’s included in the price paid for either petrol or diesel fuel. Standard 20% VAT is then added on top – and is charged on both the product (fuel) price and the fuel duty.

In the March 2023 Spring Budget, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed a twelve-month extension to the current fuel duty cut of 5pence per litre. This was extended in order to ease the rising cost of fuel on British drivers, who can take to British roads knowing that fuel duty won’t rise until April 2024.

Hunt also extended the fuel duty freeze for a thirteenth consecutive year. In practice, this means drivers of both petrol and diesel vehicles currently pay a flat duty tax of 52.95pence per litre for the next year, down from what could have been 57.95pence per litre.

How much is fuel taxed?

The exact figure on fuel taxation is variable, contingent on both the fuel price and fuel duty tax, with VAT on top.

Since June 2023, the total taxation amount of fuel has been rising, reaching 53.61% for petrol and 53.32% for diesel for the penultimate week of July 2023.

As an average, total taxation on fuel comes to an average of around 49% of the final pump price for petrol, and 46% for diesel.

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If you’re looking to upgrade your car to a more economical model to help with driving costs, My Car Credit can help. Get a car loan quote online or email our team today on enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

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My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
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Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

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*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

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Why is Diesel More Expensive Than Petrol?

Between increased fuel prices and a rising cost of living, the British public are looking for ways to cut costs across the board. Driving more economically can help to save precious pennies. But if you have a diesel vehicle, you may find yourself frequently frustrated by paying more at the pump compared to petrol models. What factors influence this price disparity?

Why is diesel more expensive than petrol?

Diesel vehicles have greater fuel efficiency and better miles per gallon than petrol equivalents – particularly over longer distances. However, despite this fuel efficiency, diesel is still more expensive than petrol. Why is this?

Import prices

Aside from the market cost of crude oil itself, another factor that impacts that fuel’s overall cost is its import and delivery prices.

Without diving deep into chemistry, diesel has larger molecules than petrol. As such, it’s heavier, which means it’s more expensive to import and deliver to fuel stations nationwide. This reflects in the cost of diesel itself.

What’s more, domestic refineries of diesel have often struggled to meet the demand of diesel drivers. As a result, the UK has to import more diesel from other countries. This drives up the fuel’s prices (as well as its import and transportation costs), which retailers pass onto customers to cover.

A complex refinement process

Diesel requires a number of complex additives for its refinement process. These are expensive, which pushes the price of the fuel up.

Scarcity and reduced production

In April 2023, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) announced cuts to their oil production. This was positioned as a move to support market stability. This reduction in global oil supply had the knock-on effect of raising the price of existing fuel resources, including diesel and petrol.

Variation in seasonal fuel demand

At the end of the summer ‘driving season’, retailers often find themselves with a surplus of petrol, which frequently can’t be exported. Retailers will therefore drop the price of the petrol, further widening the disparity in cost between diesel and petrol.

Why are diesel cars more expensive than petrol?

Besides the diesel itself costing more than petrol, diesel cars are also more expensive to run than their petrol equivalents.

In 2018, the UK government introduced a ‘diesel tax’ designed to target air pollution. Diesel cars are more polluting than petrol models – they release four times more nitrogen dioxide, and 22 times more particulate matter. This tax was introduced to disincentivise drivers from choosing diesel vehicles.

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Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

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Are Fuel Prices Coming Down?

Between surges in cost-of-living and inflation rates, many British drivers are looking to cut costs on motoring. One of the biggest driving expenses is fuel, which reached eye-watering levels in 2022 as a result of strains to the global supply of fuel.

But are fuel prices coming down? And if so, what kind of fuel costs are UK drivers facing?

How to check cost of fuel

The price of fuel varies based on a number of factors. These include everything from the wholesale price of the fuel itself through to taxation and retailer premiums.

If you’re looking to stay on top of daily fluctuations to fuel prices, add the RAC’s Fuel Watch initiative to your bookmarks. This gives you the average nationwide price of both petrol and diesel, and their Fuel Finder feature can help you locate the cheapest pump near you.

Are fuel prices coming down?

As per the RAC’s data, the current UK average for petrol hovers around 143 pence, and 144 pence for diesel. This is predicted to fall over the coming weeks.

These figures demonstrate a marked reduction in fuel prices compared to July 2022. RAC data reveals that drivers paid 191.43 pence for unleaded petrol and 199.07 pence for unleaded diesel on 1 July 2022.

Average fuel prices for 2023 are reducing compared to 2022, but remain high compared to previous years. In 2021 for example, the average cost of unleaded was 133.36 pence and diesel was 136.05 pence.

As such, although fuel prices are coming down, they remain higher on average than previous years.

Finance a more economical drive

Establish your car finance eligibility and kickstart your journey to driving more economically with My Car Credit. Email us on enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk to find out more.

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My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
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Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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7 Ways to Save Money on Fuel

There are a number of ways to keep driving costs down. Before you even take to the road, you want to ensure that your tyre pressure is correct, that you’re carrying as little weight as possible, and that your vehicle is up to date with any servicing.

But if you feel that you’ve done all you can to save money before you’re even behind the wheel, then it’s wise to also know how to save money on fuel once you’re driving. We’ve put together our top tips for keeping motoring costs low.

How to save money on fuel – 7 tips

Shop around

Get to know the fuel stations in your local area. Saving a few pennies per litre may seem pointless at first, but it all adds up to save you cash in the long run.

It’s not worth taking a serious diversion to fill up, but staying on top of any changes to fuel prices for stations nearby can help you to choose wisely.

Traditionally, fuel is cheaper at supermarkets. Try to make use of any fuel retailer loyalty cards, and steer clear of motorway service stations.

Choose fuel wisely

Once you’ve established the best fuel station for your budget and location, choose your fuel type sensibly.

Many retailers offer ‘premium’ fuels promising everything from better performance to engine protection. These premium fuels are more expensive, often costing anything from 10 to 15 pence more than normal fuels.

But unless you’re driving a top-of-the-range performance vehicle, you’re unlikely to notice these benefits.

Avoid excessive speed

If you drive at speed, you’ll use more fuel.

Remember that the faster an engine spins, the more fuel it uses. Stick to the speed limit and drive in the highest possible gear to ensure that you have the lowest revs. Try and keep your revs between 1500 and 2500RPM for a petrol engine, and 1200 and 2000RPM for a diesel engine.

Drive smoothly and watch for hazards

Avoid intense acceleration and throttling the engine if you can. You may have to brake harshly at times in order to avoid hazards, but it’s ideally best avoided.

Try and read the road in front of you and be aware of any upcoming hazards at all times. Remember to use ‘LADA’ (look, assess, decide and act) when assessing the road. When you’re facing junctions and crossings, you can judge how best to approach in order to minimise any sudden braking or acceleration.

Maintaining momentum is key if you want to save money on fuel. Your engine is least efficient when pulling away, so if you can keep the car rolling safely, this is preferable. For example, if you’re approaching traffic lights, try to leave the car in gear so that it coasts to a stop, rather than braking.

Use gears sensibly

As well as using your gears to maintain momentum and reduce the need for sudden acceleration or braking, you can also strategically use them to improve fuel efficiency.

If your car has a manual gearbox, you don’t need to use each gear when accelerating. You can ‘short shift’, meaning that you skip between first to third or second to fourth and so on. This can help to reduce fuel consumption.

Alternatively, many new models have a gear-shift indicator or ‘eco’ driving mode. This helps you to change gear at the most economical time, and is worth paying attention to when you’re on the road.

Park wisely

If you can find a parking spot that you can drive forwards out of, this can help you to save fuel. Reversing manoeuvres are less fuel efficient, so taking the time to find a good parking spot makes a difference.

Drive gently in the cold

In the colder months, you want to be driving as carefully as possible. Engines are significantly less efficient when they’re cold.

That said, leaving your car to warm up will burn up excess fuel, and may increase risk of engine wear over time. Most modern cars are designed to operate from the moment the key is turned, so you shouldn’t need this ‘warm up’ period. Drive slowly when you first start the car up, too.

Finance a fuel-efficient car with My Car Credit

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Loan amount

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Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
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Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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Electric Car Sales in the UK Overtake Diesel

Electric car being charged at a charge point

Earlier this month, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) released their report on the UK car market. Amongst the most significant findings is the news that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) overtook diesel vehicles to secure their best ever monthly market share in December 2022.

With 32.9% of the market and a total of 16.6% for new car registrations, BEVs have surpassed diesel for the first time ever, and are now second only to petrol vehicles. In combination with the figures on HEVs (hybrid electric vehicles) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), this means that average new car CO2 (carbon dioxide) fell by 6.9% to 111.4g/km – the lowest in UK history.

SMMT Report – the overview

Whilst December 2022 was the biggest month in the UK market for battery electric car sales, plug-in hybrids saw a reduction in their annual market share to 6.3%. Hybrid electric vehicles also saw growth, and now make up 11.6% of the market. Diesel sales, meanwhile, plummeted by 38.9%.

The success of electric car sales in the UK is overwhelmingly down to fleets and business buyers. Although private buyers account for over half of all total vehicle registrations, they fall shy of the numbers of fleets and business buyers, who accounted for around 75% of all BEV registrations.

The best-selling electric car in the UK was the Tesla Model Y, followed by the Tesla Model 3 and Kia e-Niro. The Tesla Model Y also ranked as the third best-selling car overall, only after the Nissan Qashqai and Vauxhall Corsa (both of which also have electric models).

Why do private buyers account for so little of UK electric car sales?

Although there’s a concerted effort to ‘green’ Britain’s roads, this report from the SMMT demonstrates an overall reticence amongst private buyers to move to electric vehicles. Quite why private buyers are proving slower to transition to greener vehicles is explainable in a number of ways.

Grants

In 2021, the government announced a series of reductions to electric vehicle subsidy schemes. For example, in December of 2021, the Department for Transport laid out a reduction of £1,000 for buyers making use of financial incentives to fund the upfront cost of a new electric vehicle.

A concurrent reduction was also made to vehicular models eligible for government support, with a maximum limit of £32,000 set down from £35,000. For many private drivers, the initial purchase fee of EVs is prohibitive, which is why government grants and incentives have such a significant place in swaying consumer behaviour. Securing a car loan quote and car finance suited to individual driver needs provides a further way for motorists to invest in electric vehicles.

Charging infrastructure

There are also concerns over public charging infrastructure. According to the SMMT’s report, the government’s EV Infrastructure Strategy forecasts a need for 300,000 to 720,000 charge points in the UK by 2030. To hit 300,000 public chargers by that date, current installation should average at 100 new chargers installed every day, but the current figure is 23.

Supply shortages

Supply chains remain inconsistent – a fact which was also noted by the SMMT as impacting the UK’s overall car market – as a result of semiconductor chip shortages due to disruption caused both by the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This disruption is expected to stabilise as 2023 unfolds.

The result…

Consumers are unlikely to make the switch to electric unless they can be certain that the necessary infrastructure is available, and anxieties about the current cost of electricity also impact overall EV private sales. Given the expensive initial price of EVs, concerns over the provision of public infrastructure, and fears over cost of living, the anxieties of private buyers regarding the move to EVs seem unlikely to be alleviated.

This certainly seems to be the position of Mike Hawes, Chief Executive at the SMTT, who urged the government to encourage the move towards EVs by continuing to invest in nationwide charging infrastructure. As the UK approaches the 2030 petrol ban, after which the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned, the need to invest in UK-wide EV charging infrastructure will become ever more pressing.

Find out how we can help you make the move to electric

Purchasing an EV doesn’t have to be a pipedream. With My Car Credit, it won’t be. We can even work with drivers with poor credit scores – contact us on enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk to find out how.

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X monthly repayments of
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Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

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*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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5 Fuel Saving Tips to Combat the Cost of Living

Man filing up his car with petrol to save on fuel

If you regularly use your vehicle and need it for work, then major increases in fuel prices can cause real problems for your monthly finances. However, there are ways of being economical with fuel in order to make your purchases go that little bit further.

Remember, when you’re shopping around for a car, look for one that’s fuel efficient. A car’s fuel efficiency is determined by its MPG (miles per gallon), and it’ll make a big difference to your regular fuel expenditure.

Fuel saving tips – the top 5

Go easy on your speed and accelerator

Sometimes you may just need to put your foot down (within the legal limits), but speed and use of the accelerator are two of the biggest factors that impact fuel consumption.

Go easy on the accelerator, and try to keep your driving smooth. If you’re in the highest gear possible, you’ll be using less fuel, but you need to ensure that you’re safely in control when doing so. Keeping revs down is also key, as revving causes an engine to spin faster, which guzzles fuel.

Practice good driving habits

If you’re approaching red lights, ease off the accelerator as you get closer to gently slow down. This is known as defensive or anticipatory driving and is a sure-fire way to save on fuel. It also typically means you’re more alert to your surroundings, making you a safer driver overall.

Vehicle maintenance

Keeping your vehicle well serviced will not only ensure that it’s safe to drive, it’s also one of the best fuel saving tips. Why? That’s because it guarantees the vehicle is working at optimum efficiency.

Monitor tyre pressure

Keeping on top of your tyre pressure makes a significant difference with fuel efficiency. The lower your tyre pressure, the more fuel the car will need as a result of resistance.

As such, it’s best practice to keep on top of your tyres between services – every fortnight or so is best.

You should be able to locate figures specifying your vehicle’s optimal tyre pressure on the inside of the driver’s door, but consult the handbook if this is tricky to find. Keeping on top of your tyre pressure can also help maintain your brakes, as tyres that are wrongly inflated will impact their wear and tear.

Maximise aerodynamics

This sounds a tad technical, but it boils down to minimising any drag or interference on your car. Roof bars and racks will result in higher fuel usage as a result of wind resistance – even if the rack’s empty.

Reducing the load carried by your car is also a top fuel saving tip. Clear out your car boot whilst you’re removing the roof rack, bicycle carriers, or any other bits and pieces.

Update to a new fuel-efficient car

If you’re concerned about your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and are looking to purchase an alternative, My Car Credit can help you to get car finance on a variety of cars from new or used dealerships – or check out our approved list of nearly-new vehicles to choose from.

Our easy-to-use car finance calculator will also ensure you find affordable financing options. Have more questions about buying a fuel-efficient car on finance? Get in touch with our friendly team on 01246 458 810 or enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

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Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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Diesel vs. Petrol – Comparing Car Mileage

If you’re looking at buying a new car, there are a number of factors you’ll want to consider. One of the most fundamental is whether you should buy a petrol or a diesel car. In order to come to a decision, you’ll likely be considering the fuel economy of different engines – or, in other words, the mileage of a diesel car vs. that of a petrol car.

This article will look at the mileage of petrol vs diesel, and help you decide which type of engine you’d prefer for your next set of wheels.

Car mileage: diesel vs. petrol

First off, let’s clarify how fuel economy works. It refers to the number of miles a car can travel on a specific amount of fuel. This is measured in MPG, short for miles per gallon. The higher the MPG rating of a vehicle, the more fuel-efficient it is, as it can go further on one tank of fuel and cover more miles per gallon.

What impacts MPG?

There are several factors that will impact the MPG of a vehicle, as well as its actual engine mechanics.

Your own driving style will impact the MPG of a car. If you regularly tow heavy items, rapidly brake or accelerate, speed, frequently idle (for example, at traffic stops), or only travel short journeys, you can negatively impact the MPG. Similarly, if you wear your tyres out and don’t replace them, or don’t regularly maintain your car, this can negatively impact the MPG.

Environmental factors will also play a part. Regular use of the air conditioning, for example, will impact the MPG, but so will opening the windows (as this makes the car less aerodynamic). Cold weather also brings strain, as the engine takes longer to warm up.

One of the most significant factors affecting a car’s MPG is its engine, which is why you’ll frequently see articles comparing the mileage of a diesel car vs. a petrol car.

Diesel vs. petrol – which has better fuel economy?

Diesel cars have better fuel economy to petrol cars, making their mileage better value for money. This is because diesel fuel contains more energy in a like-for-like comparison than petrol fuel. That means that if you’re regularly making long journeys in a petrol vehicle, you’ll end up paying more overall for fuel, even though petrol is cheaper per litre than diesel fuel. It’s all about the law of averages.

Which? ran a series of independent tests, which found that the average MPG of a diesel car was higher around town, out of town, and on a motorway. As a combined score, the overall MPG of the diesel car they tested averaged 46.8 compared to 41.9 for the tested petrol car.

Overall, in the battle of mileage for a diesel vs. petrol vehicle, diesel’s fuel economy will always win out. Diesel cars are also better for longer journeys at high-speed – that is, for frequent motorway driving – and if you need a vehicle that can tow well. Diesel vehicles have more torque than petrol vehicles, which have to work harder to maintain momentum and power and will therefore use more fuel.

Other factors to consider

It may be that the verdict on diesel’s better mileage is enough to settle your choice as to whether to purchase a diesel vs. petrol car. However, deciding whether a diesel car is right for you is unfortunately not that black and white.

Petrol vehicles produce fewer overall emissions of CO2 per litre of burned fuel compared to a diesel engine – however, because a diesel engine’s mileage is higher than its petrol counterpart, it will tend to have lower CO2 emissions. That said, petrol cars produce far fewer particulate emissions than diesel vehicles – particularly older ones, which emit nitrogen oxide, a substance that’s linked to air pollution and harmful health side effects. Petrol cars therefore result in less local air pollution.

Diesel cars are also bad on short, stop-start trips, as their DPF (diesel particulate filter), which is responsible for minimising harmful particulates, won’t operate as efficiently unless the engine is hot.

Financing your petrol or diesel car

Whether you decide on diesel for better long-distance mileage or petrol for short, stop-start trips, car finance can help you spread the cost of your next car to improve affordability and maximise your budget.

At My Car Credit, we aim to make the finance application process as simple as possible from start to finish. Get the ball rolling by checking your car finance eligibility, then benefit from our extensive network of trusted lenders to get a fair deal whatever your credit score.

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Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

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Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

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Is a Diesel Car Worth Buying?

Diesel cars have fallen out of fashion. Once lauded for their lower CO2 emissions, lower road tax, and better fuel economy – diesel cars have an average of 20% better fuel economy than petrol vehicles – diesel cars comprised only 37.6% of total vehicles on Britain’s roads in 2020.

So, what’s the reason for this decline in popularity, and is a diesel car worth buying? This article considers the facts.

Why are diesel cars losing popularity?

In March 2021, the European Court of Justice ruled that the UK had failed to tackle air pollution in any systematic way. The Court has imposed a fine on the UK government, which has, in turn, responded with actions like the 2030 petrol ban.

From 2030, the Government’s petrol and diesel ban comes into place, meaning that any new vehicle powered by either petrol or diesel won’t be sold in the UK. After 2035, any new vehicle sold will need to be electric. Second-hand vehicles won’t be affected by the ban and will continue to be sold in showrooms.

Diesel engines are amongst the most polluting on the roads as a result of what’s called a DPF or Diesel Particulate Filter. This is inside the exhaust system and gets easily blocked when a diesel car is limited to short journeys, because the car remains too cool to burn off its particulates. It’s blocked DPFs that cause diesel cars to be incredibly polluting – and it’s not helped by the fact that DPFs are expensive to clean and to replace.

Are diesel cars worth buying?

Whether or not a diesel car is worth buying is entirely dependent on what kind of driver you are. Diesel cars still have a far better fuel economy than either petrol or hybrid models, provided you travel a high annual mileage (over 15,000 a year as an average) or regularly drive on motorways.

If your journeys are typically short, low-speed, or start-stop – for example, if you travel around urban centres frequently – then a diesel car is a less ideal vehicle. Your DPF is more likely to get blocked, which may mean an expensive repair job for you. You’re also more likely to be polluting with a diesel driven at lower speeds than either a petrol or hybrid.

If you do have a diesel car and drive for short distances at low speeds, then you should aim to make a long drive (over 40 miles, on a motorway) once a month to avoid the risk of your DPF blocking.

That said, because there’s a slump in interest for diesel cars, you can get some fantastic deals on new and second-hand models. These discounts are so significant that they may even offset the higher tax rate you’ll pay on a diesel model. Just ensure that you receive a full service history for any diesel model you’re considering – if the previous owner used the car for start-stop, low-speed journeys, then the DPF may need replacing, which will cost you a serious amount of money.

Will diesel cars be banned in the UK?

There is a risk that diesel vehicles will be banned in city and town centres in the coming years.

London already has the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) in place, which costs diesel cars registered before September 2015 and petrol cars registered before 2006 an extra £12.50 a day on top of the Congestion Charge. Further city and town centres such as Leeds, Oxford, Birmingham, and Greater Manchester, have plans to implement similar policies in the future.

Should you buy a diesel car in 2022?

Whether the purchase of a diesel car in 2022 is a good idea depends on your driving habits. If you have a high annual mileage and regularly travel at speed (that is, on motorways), then a diesel car will have an advantageous fuel economy. If you’re shopping around for a diesel vehicle, you’ll find great deals available as a result of their slump in popularity.

However, if you predominantly drive in city centres, take start-stop journeys, and have a lower average mileage, then a diesel car is likely not the best idea.

If you have concerns about whether a diesel car is right for you, you can contact My Car Credit’s team of specialists today. They can help you find a car loan quote for your diesel vehicle (or alternative fuel) and answer any questions that you may have.

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X monthly repayments of
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Typical rate

Loan amount

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X% APR*

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*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

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Should I Buy a Second Hand Diesel Car?

With the British government pledging to ban sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, many motorists are questioning if it’s worth purchasing a fossil fuel powered vehicle. The short answer is yes, for many motorists purchasing a second-hand diesel car is a smart and eco-friendly choice. While diesel engines do harbour a dirty reputation, in reality they’re often cleaner and more affordable than petrol. Of course, credentials depend on variables like the year, make and model of the car and how you plan to use it.

Should I buy a second-hand diesel car? If you’re weighing up your options, this article is for you. Read on as we navigate the pros and cons of buying a second-hand diesel car and take a look at some key factors to consider.

Emissions and environmental footprint

Emissions are one of the biggest factors to consider when shopping for second-hand diesel cars. While models manufactured in the early 2000s or before will generally offer disappointing emissions, purchasing a second-hand diesel car that’s only a few years old leaves a much lighter environmental footprint.

In 2017, the European Union introduced strict new Euro 6d-TEMP emissions testing mandating that diesel engines be fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to break down NOx. So, if you purchase a diesel car manufactured after 2017 it will run much cleaner than a pre-2017 model.

According to the RAC, the average diesel car manufactured in 2020 has average emissions of 165.5g CO2/km. While this isn’t a gold-standard level it’s nowhere near as high as the emissions you’ll release by driving an older diesel car. In comparison, new petrol cars emit an average of 149.0g CO2/km, while new hybrid electric (HEV) cars emit 125.6 g CO2/km and Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) emit just 43.4g CO2/km.

BMW manufactures some of the cleanest diesel cars on the market, with the 3 Series one of the most popular models. MINI is another great option, with low NOx emissions and excellent fuel efficiency. Toyota, a long-standing eco innovator, also manufactures some great low emission diesel cars loved by eco-conscious drivers across the UK. The diesel-powered Ford Fiesta is another top contender, with the 2021 model clocking in CO2 emissions of just 82g/km. If you can get your hands on a used 2021 model you won’t have to compromise on emissions at all. In fact, you’ll be driving one of the most eco-friendly cars on the road.

Should I buy a second-hand diesel car if I want to reduce my emissions? The short answer is yes, so long as you carefully consider emissions and choose the newest model you can afford.

Fuel efficiency

Diesel offers more energy per litre than traditional petrol, meaning diesel-powered cars tend to offer excellent fuel economy. As a general rule, diesel cars use between 15 and 20% less fuel than petrol-powered vehicles. For example, the 2020 Kia Ceed 1.6 CRDi boasts fuel economy of 72.4mpg, making it one of the most efficient diesel cars on the market. This doesn’t translate to higher emissions, with the model clocking just 102g CO2/km. The Citroen C4 Cactus 1.6 offers similar fuel economy of 70.6mpg, while the Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTI increases slightly to 78.5mpg. On long journeys where speed is kept high and constant, fuel economy increases to 88mpg.

Petrol prices

Price differences between petrol and diesel may be a factor for some people when purchasing a second-hand car. Diesel tends to be slightly more expensive than petrol, though only by a few pence. That said, while you’ll likely pay more to fill up your diesel tank, the fuel economy savings cancel out the extra cost at the forecourt and make diesel cars cheaper in the long run. For example, driving a diesel-powered BMW 1 Series 116d SE for 10,000 miles might cost around £830. The same model featuring a petrol engine would cost around £1,120, making diesel cheaper overall.

Road tax

Road tax can add a significant amount to the cost of owning a car, so it’s worth factoring in when shopping for diesel-powered vehicles. Rates are calculated using CO2 emissions and the age of your car. If your diesel car was registered after April 2017 when the EU introduced Euro 6d-TEMP emissions testing, tax will likely be cheaper.

Torque and power

Diesel engines tend to offer more torque than petrol-powered counterparts, making them a great option for towing caravans and trailers. This makes second-hand diesel cars a popular choice with motorists looking for towing power. Diesel engines also offer faster acceleration which can make overtaking slightly easier.

Making your choice

Should I buy a second-hand diesel car? Ultimately, the choice is yours. Whether you choose to purchase a second-hand diesel vehicle, opt for a traditional petrol-powered car or upgrade to an EV or hybrid will depend on your own unique preferences and priorities.

Before making a decision it’s important to do your research and track down a model that works for you. Do you prioritise low emissions over power and torque? Maybe you want to drive the most fuel-efficient car possible or slash your road tax rates? Taking the time to research second-hand diesel car options is the best way to ensure you make the right decision.

When you’ve settled on a model, you can search on our own used car stock list to see what’s available or choose from any reputable dealer. My Car Credit is here to help you secure the best car finance deals in the UK. With access to one of the country’s largest lending panels, we have the experience and expertise to track down tailored car finance rates, coupled with help and support every step of the way. Using our car loan APR estimator, you can find out how much you can borrow and what it will cost in a matter of minutes. Get in touch today to find out more and get behind the wheel of your dream second-hand diesel car.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

How Quickly Can You Buy a Car?

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What’s the Best Month to Buy a Car?

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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