Drivers warned pressing one button found in millions of cars could hike fuel costs

Motorists across Britain have been warned that hitting a certain button in their could be at an alarming rate - thanks to insights from experts. CarShop have warned drivers that while turning on electrical features like air conditioning or a rear window heater might seem convenient, it could really hit your wallet over time.

According to these expert, even essential safety equipment such as de-misters and headlights can chip away at your petrol or diesel reserves. In light of the skyrocketing costs of keeping a motor on the street, with every fee under the sun seeming to hike up, this advice couldn't come at a better time.

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CarShop explained: "Cutting down on the use of a car's electrics can help reduce fuel consumption considerably over time." They stressed the importance of ensuring things like air con, rear window heaters, demister fans and headlights are off when not necessary.

"In-car air conditioning can increase a vehicle's fuel consumption by 8-10 percent alone, meaning this feature could be costing drivers a considerable amount of money every year."

BookMyGarage, the leading comparison site to find the best service and repair costs, revealed more common tools used by motorists which could have an impact, reports .

They said: "In fact, everything from the heater blowers, lights and sound systems in your car will be using additional power, which can slightly impact fuel economy.

"Only use what you need, and you could notice an improvement in fuel efficiency."

Petrol and diesel prices fell for the first time in six months in March, bringing relief to drivers as millions look forward to taking to the roads for a break over Easter.

At the end of March, the average price of a litre of unleaded stood at 136.03p – nearly 4p down (3.6p) on the cost at the start of the month (139.62p), and a price last seen in late November 2024.

This means drivers are now paying £74.82 to fill a typical family-sized car with a 55-litre tank, nearly £2 less than they were at the beginning of March.

The average cost of a litre of diesel fell just as sharply, down 4p in March from 146.46p to 142.51p, its lowest since early December 2024. This makes the cost of filling a family-sized car with diesel stand at £78.38, £2.17 less than at the start of March.

But depending on where drivers fill up, they can make even greater savings by shopping around for fuel. RAC analysis of local pump price data shows that some supermarket and even non-supermarket forecourts are charging under 126p for a litre of unleaded – a whole 10p a litre less than the UK average, and a saving of nearly £5 a tank on a full fill-up.

Diesel can be found for 131p a litre in some locations, an amazing 11p less than the UK average – a saving of £6 on tank.

It's drivers in Northern Ireland who once again benefit from the lowest prices overall, with no motorist there paying any more than 137p a litre for petrol and 141p for diesel.

Experts at KwikFit, one of the UK's leading repair garages, have suggested ways for motorists to cut back on fuel consumption while driving.

They advise: "When you initially set off, the air con has to work hard to bring the internal temperature down to a comfortable level.

"However, once the car has cooled enough, you can choose to reduce the flow rate, increase the temperature or turn the air con off altogether."