What’s the right petrol money etiquette? And how can you save money on your festival travel?
Summer is here, and with it comes the inevitable traffic jams as we head off for holidays and festivals. This week alone, 200,000 people will make their way to Glastonbury.
As UK roads grow busy with a combination of festival season and train strikes, much of the UK is forced to swap public transport for driving. This is made further problematic as the cost-of-living crisis sees that the typical full tank of petrol exceeds £100.
In this article, James Baker at Reg Car Check has analysed Google trend data to determine the most popular questions asked by the UK with regards to petrol money etiquette, along with his biggest tips on how to save up to £25.80 on fuel per event.
9.900% uplift : How much petrol money should I give?
According to Google trend data, the search term how much petrol money should I give, has received a 9.900% uplift in searches.
Car sharing is commonplace however, as petrol prices continue to soar, friends head to festivals and colleagues to work in a train strike, carpooling is fast evolving into a necessity. The fact that this search term has seen such an increase indicates that that car poolers are mindful that they don’t want to contribute to little or too much towards the cost of petrol.
Of course, you should always offer a contribution towards fuel, especially in the current climate. A great way to do this is to visit the petrol station together, fill up the tank and use apps such as splitwise to split the bill. This avoids any awkward money conversations and ensures that everyone makes a fair and even contribution’.
9.900% uplift: Petrol money calculator
Petrol money calculators are growing in popularity. No longer are drivers filling up their tank ‘as and when’, and instead, seeking ways to predict how much fuel is needed before they embark on their journey.
Using a money calculator is a great tool to use if you are seeking ways to split costs on each journey as it presents a tangible asset to those cars sharing that assures contributions are fair.
413.36%: How to ask for money
Much of the UK regard money as a taboo subject and feel awkward requesting it from those around them. This is reflected in the 413.36% uplift in the search term, how to ask for money.
Asking for money needn’t be awkward. Make it clear as soon as possible that participants in the car share are required to pay for their share of petrol. If offering a lift, include the obligation for petrol money within the initial offer.
8.400%: Refusing money
For many, offering petrol money towards a shared journey is expected however, the recipient may reject the offer. If you feel uneasy at their reluctance, there are other ways to ‘pay your way’.
Remember, reimbursing petrol money doesn’t have to be through monies. Buying the driver lunch, drinks or even a gift can serve as the perfect balance if they are reluctant to receive money.
4.950%: Colleagues Petrol Money Train Strikes
The train strikes are forcing colleagues to car share on their way to and from work. Such an uplift in the search term Colleagues Petrol Money Train Strikes indicates that the UKs workforce is unsure of the etiquette with regards to giving their colleagues money towards petrol.
‘If you are unsure of how much to give your colleague towards petrol, suggest taking it in turns to drive, buying lunch or even purchasing a small thank you gift. Make it clear that you are more than willing to contribute to diminish any awkwardness’.
How to save up to £25.80 on fuel per event
If you are travelling to a festival or on holiday this summer, here’s how to save up to £25.80 on fuel.
Pump it up = £7.50
Low tyre pressure significantly increases fuel consumption’, says Baker. ‘Research suggests that under inflated tyres causes a vehicle to use up to 10% more fuel.
The average cars petrol tank is 42 litres with the average household using one full tank a month. Subsequently, if a household opts to drive with underinflated tires, they may spend an additional £7.50 a month on fuel. Inflating a cars tyre can save up to £60 by December 22.
Air con on and on = £7.50
The UK is set to reach 25 degrees this week, resulting in drivers switching on the air con. Depending on how fast you are driving, air con can increase fuel consumption by 10%. But don’t roll down the windows just yet. Depending on your speed, rolling down the windows may cost you even more!
Photo by William Krause
