fuel Archives - My Car Credit

Is LPG Conversion Worth It?

Rising petrol costs have had many British motorists thinking about alternative options like LPG. So, is LPG conversion worth it? Read on as we unpack everything you need to know about LPG and answer your questions about whether it’s worth making the switch.

What is LPG?

Before we learn more about whether LPG conversion is worth it, let’s take a closer look at what LPG is. The acronym stands for liquefied petroleum gas, also known as propane gas or butane. It’s a byproduct of crude oil refining and is also made when processing of natural gas liquids. The name describes the dual characteristics of LPG. It’s stored as a clear gas but transforms into a liquid when cooled or placed under pressure.

Is LPG cheaper than petrol?

The short answer is yes. LPG typically costs around 50% less than petrol. This makes it a desirable option for motorists who tend to get sticker shock at the forecourt.

That said, you’ll need to consider the initial investment costs. Installing an LPG tank can cost between £1,500 to £2,000. Most motorists won’t start to see savings until at least a year or two after installing the tank. Though of course this depends on how much you drive and the current MPG of your vehicle.

Can I convert my car to LPG?

In general, most petrol-powered cars can be retrofitted with an LPG system. This transforms them into hybrid vehicles that can run on two types of fuel – petrol and LPG.

LPG fuel tanks are usually installed in the boot of the car. This keeps them out of the way and makes them easy to refill. As well as an LPG tank you’ll need to install new cables and fuel tubes in the car, as well as a converter.

Pros of converting to LPG

LPG is significantly cheaper than petrol and diesel. In the long term this can reduce your running costs.
Can be a good way to reduce CO2 emissions and minimise your carbon footprint. For this reason, “is LPG conversion worth it” is a popular question asked by eco-conscious motorists.
LPG tanks can be installed as part of a dual-fuel system. This means you can run your car on the original fuel the engine was designed for, as well as LPG.
LPG is a quieter fuel than diesel.

Cons of converting to LPG

LPG fuel tank takes up boot space.
The addition of the LPG fuel tank slightly increases the total weight of the vehicle and can have a small impact on MPG.
LPG can be difficult to find at petrol stations.
Road tax savings are minimal, often as low as £10 per year.
Is LPG cheaper than petrol? Yes. However, the costs of installing an LPG tank can be high which can put off some motorists.
LPG isn’t a popular fuel which means the government could increase levies and send prices soaring with little notice.

Upgrade to a fuel-efficient vehicle with My Car Credit

If you’re conscious of fuel efficiency, why not consider upgrading to a more modern vehicle? Newer models like the diesel-powered Peugeot 208 and petrol-powered Mazda 2 offer best-in-class MPG. Get in touch with a member of the My Car Credit team today to learn more about how to calculate car finance and discuss how options like Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) can help you get behind the wheel of a more fuel efficient vehicle.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

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

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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Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

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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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What’s the Best Speed for Fuel Economy?

There are a number of ways to drive more economically. From driving in the highest possible gear (whilst remaining in the speed limit) through to ensuring that your car is maintained, there are strategies for keeping motoring costs as low as possible.

A great way to drive economically is to ensure that you’re driving at the most fuel-efficient speed. But what is the best speed for fuel economy? We break it down below.

Is your car fuel efficient?

If you’re looking for a car loan quote online to secure a more fuel-efficient set of wheels, you’re going to want to check that car’s miles per gallon (MPG).

Miles per gallon refers to the number of miles that a car can travel on a gallon of fuel. An efficient car should do more than 60mpg, with a good average between 50 and 60mpg. That said, this depends on a number of factors.

What impacts a car’s fuel efficiency?

There are a number of variables impacting the fuel efficiency of a vehicle.

The make and model of the car will impact its fuel efficiency. So will everything from poor vehicle maintenance through to towing, oil type, speeding, regularly driving short distances and frequently accelerating or braking too hard.

All of these factors will impact the most fuel-efficient speed of your car.

What is the best speed for fuel economy?

Provided that you practice good driving habits, keep your vehicle up to date with services, and reduce the other behaviours that can affect your fuel economy, your vehicle should be able to travel at its most fuel-efficient speed.

There are different estimations for the best speed for fuel economy. However, as an average, most cars are at maximum fuel efficiency between 45 and 50mph (miles per hour). You can potentially push your car to 55mph to stay fuel efficient, but this will vary between models and according to the factors listed above.

In fact, your fuel economy drops by 14% when driving between 60 and 70mph. This goes to 15.4% when you’re driving from 70 to 80mph.

You’re less fuel-efficient at higher speeds for a number of reasons. Firstly, your car faces higher air and tyre resistance, so the engine has to work harder. Secondly, you’ll be generating higher engine revs.

Remember, the higher your engine revs, the more fuel you use. This is why it’s more fuel-efficient to travel in the highest gear possible within the speed limit.

Find a more economical drive with My Car Credit

If you’re looking for a more fuel-efficient set of wheels, contact My Car Credit to see how we can help. We’ll help you secure affordable car finance that eases the cost of motoring for you – email us on 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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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.

Ease the cost of driving with car finance

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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Why Does Car Financing Take So Long?

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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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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.

Upgrade your diesel vehicle with My Car Credit

If you’re looking to get behind the wheel of a petrol car, My Car Credit can help. Use our car finance checker for a no-obligation quote in mere minutes, or email us today on 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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How & Where to Find the Cheapest Petrol Near You

The price of fuel remains high. Many British motorists are on the hunt for money-saving tips and tricks to help keep driving costs down. From shopping around for better insurance premiums to implementing different driving strategies, there are any number of ways to make driving more economical. But when it comes to cutting driving costs, finding cheaper fuel is the way to go.

If you’re looking for how and where to find the cheapest petrol near you, this article will help. We’ve put together a list of the savviest tools and techniques for locating the cheapest fuel near you – read on for more.

How to find the cheapest petrol near you

The myRAC App

The myRAC app promises to help you save up to 6p a litre every time you fill your car up with the Fuel Finder feature. Free to download, this app allows you search within two, five, or 10 miles to secure the cheapest petrol near you.

The myRAC app gets this data from Experian Catalist, which details fuel prices UK-wide. Check the app at 8:00am every day for the most up-to-date prices, and plan your next fuel stop accordingly.

Fuelio

Fuelio is another petrol cost tracker available for Android and Apple. As well as providing crowdsourced information on local fuel stations and prices, you can also track your fill-ups, fuel consumption, mileage, and more in the app.

PetrolPrices website

PetrolPrices is a reliable (and free) website and app that allows you to find cheap petrol and diesel near you. Users input details like their postcode and town, and the website will provide information on nearby fuel stations, as well as comparing the price of fuel at each.

Online fuel price comparison tools

If you’re looking to find the cheapest petrol near you, you can also use an online fuel price comparison tool.

Where can you find the cheapest petrol?

Any of the above tools will help you to find the fuel stations with the cheapest petrol or diesel near you.

However, as a general rule, it’s safe to assume that you’ll find cheaper fuel at supermarket fuel stations compared to motorway fuel stations. As the RAC’s fuel watch initiative shows, you’ll be charged a lower premium on petrol from a supermarket fuel station compared to a motorway station.

The average cost of supermarket fuel tends to be below the UK average, whilst motorway fuel stations charge a significant premium. If you have a long journey planned, try to plan ahead and avoid filling up on a motorway, hitting a supermarket forecourt instead.

UK fuel prices – how to stay informed

If you’re keen to keep an eye on the price of fuel in the UK, there are a number of tools you can use.

The RAC’s fuel watch initiative surveys the daily average price of petrol and diesel across the UK, as well as evaluating average fuel costs at supermarkets and motorway forecourts. It provides a useful overview of nationwide fuel prices.

For a weekly overview of fuel prices around the UK, you can check Gov.uk. The CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) has also announced recent plans to establish a fuel finder scheme. The fuel monitor scheme promises to monitor fuel prices and margins to allow drivers to find cheap fuel near them.

Alternatively, the AA provides monthly fuel price reports. These detail the average regional price for a litre of petrol, diesel, or LPG, and you can find reports reaching back to 2017, too.

Other tips for filling up cheaply

Remember to take advantage of loyalty schemes. Many fuel stations – including those at supermarkets – offer loyalty schemes. These are worth signing up to, as it can help to save you valuable cash.

Don’t be fooled by the promise of ‘premium’ or ‘high performance’ fuels, either. Unless you have a high-performance car, these fuels are unlikely to make any difference to your car’s performance. You’ll be paying more money for minimal impact.

Find finance for an economical car

If you’re looking to upgrade to a more economical set of wheels, find out how My Car Credit can help. Use our car loan calculator to get a no-obligation quote in minutes, or find out more by emailing enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

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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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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.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

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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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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

If you’re looking to upgrade to a more fuel-efficient vehicle, email My Car Credit on enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk today. We can even find car finance for drivers with poor credit ratings. Start saving money on your vehicle today.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

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How Do Car Finance Calculators Work?

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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Is it safe to drive with the fuel warning light on?

When your fuel warning light illuminates, it indicates that you only have 10% to 15% of the tank’s capacity remaining. As such, you should aim to get to a petrol station to refuel as soon as possible. But how long can you drive with your fuel warning light on, and is it safe to do so?

The 101 on fuel warning lights

When your fuel warning light comes on, it means your vehicle is running low on fuel – typically, it will have around 10% to 15% of fuel left at this point. When your fuel warning light begins to flash, this indicates that your tank is even emptier, and you need to get to a petrol station pronto.

There’s no one answer for how much fuel is left in a tank when the warning light illuminates. Factors like road conditions, your choice of gear, and tyre pressure can all play a part in the distance you’ll be able to travel when the fuel warning light appears. Different car makes and models will also travel varying distances when the fuel warning light appears.

Can you drive with the fuel warning light on?

Although you can drive with the fuel warning light on, it’s not the best idea to do so. As your fuel level gets low, you’re more likely to cause damage to the fuel filter and pump, as debris from the fuel tank can begin to interfere with their function.

It can also be dangerous to run out of fuel if you’re not in a safe place to do so – and this may even cause accidents if you’re on busy roads like motorways. It’s more sensible to avoid driving long distances on busy roads when your fuel light illuminates, so you can reduce the risk of collisions and accidents.

Consider your fuel warning light as a warning sign that you should refuel your vehicle as soon as possible, rather than driving around whilst it’s illuminated. If your fuel warning light begins to flash, this indicates that you need to refuel immediately or you may grind to a complete halt.

You may feel like the car begins to move in a jerking motion when your fuel levels are low, and the vehicle may struggle to accelerate with its usual speed.

Be aware that more modern car models have a digital fuel readout, which is designed to give drivers an accurate sense of how far they can travel with the current fuel level. However, even these are only indicatory, so it’s still sensible to refuel as soon as possible once the tank begins to empty.

Upgrade your car with My Car Credit

If you’re looking to upgrade your current drive to a safer make and model, My Car Credit can help. Use our car loan calculator to get a no-obligation quote in minutes.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

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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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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.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

How Does Car Finance Work in the UK?

Why Does Car Financing Take So Long?

Car Finance vs Personal Loan, what’s best for me?

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

cost of living diesel efficiency fuel petrol

Rising petrol costs have had many British motorists thinking about alternative options like LPG. So, is LPG conversion worth it? Read on as we unpack everything you need to know about LPG and answer your questions about whether it’s worth making the switch.

What is LPG?

Is LPG cheaper than petrol?

Can I convert my car to LPG?

Pros of converting to LPG

Cons of converting to LPG

Upgrade to a fuel-efficient vehicle with My Car Credit

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

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There are a number of ways to drive more economically. From driving in the highest possible gear (whilst remaining in the speed limit) through to ensuring that your car is maintained, there are strategies for keeping motoring costs as low as possible.

Is your car fuel efficient?

What impacts a car’s fuel efficiency?

What is the best speed for fuel economy?

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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?

How much is fuel taxed?

Ease the cost of driving with car finance

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Import prices

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