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Top motoring myths dispelled
Chris Chandler associate director at Lex Autolease, says: “Driving is an essential, but costly part of everyday business life. But many firms and drivers are wasting money needlessly".
“Driver behaviour has a major part to play in bringing down motoring costs and it’s about making the right decisions based on facts. We own over 300,000 vehicles and some of the feedback we receive from drivers shows that a lot of bad habits have crept in due to myths being passed down from one colleague to another or through friends and family. A great many road users should take expert advice and look after their cars and pockets a little better.”
Here, Lex Autolease gives us the seven biggest motoring sins and puts paid to these costly myths:
Myth 1: Premium fuel is good for your car every now and again
High grade fuel is only suitable for high performance cars which require superior fuel quality to ensure the engine runs efficiently. For these vehicles paying more for premium fuel can increase mpg and help to pay back the additional cost, but business drivers using non performance cars should stick to ordinary unleaded and diesel. Another myth is that supermarket fuel is poorer quality than at the oil companies’ forecourts. Often they derive from the same source, so you’re often paying for the brand and any additives which are included.
Myth 2: It’s best to fit your new tyres to the front axle
Contrary to popular opinion, when fitting a pair of new tyres to a car, they should actually be fitted to the rear axle, and not to the front. Having more grip on the rear axle improves stability on slippery roads and could prevent a potentially serious vehicle spin. Drivers are also more used to having tyres which are more worn on the front. This is because most modern cars are front wheel drive and so wear their front tyres quicker than the rears. Therefore fitting the new tyres to the rear, and moving the part-worn rears to the front, maintains the vehicle balance that the driver is used to.
Myth 3: The car should be allowed to warm up before driving off
The engine will actually warm up quicker, use up less fuel and pump out less CO2 if you drive off immediately, rather than leave it to run idle for a while. In the winter months, this will also help the car heater warm up quicker but it’s essential to ensure windscreens and are fully defrosted prior to setting off.
Myth 4: No claims protection insurance protects my premium if I have a crash
In fact, standard insurances only protect the discount that you would have received at the end of a claims-free year of motoring. If you have a claim, insurance companies are liable to increase your overall premium, despite having a no claims protection policy. This is because you are now a classed as an increased insurance risk.
Myth 5: Running the fuel tank to near to empty helps to clean it
Fuel tanks do not ‘self-clean’. It is more likely that you will misjudge your next fill up and cause your car engine and other components to seize up. Driving with little or no fuel can be almost as damaging to your vehicle as putting in the wrong fuel. Fill up as quickly as possible when your warning light appears.
Myth 6: Filling up slows down your car
Only partially true. A heavy fuel load has more of an impact on fuel efficiency and braking distances. Performance in terms of acceleration and top speed is barely compromised by a full tank. MPG does improve as the car gets lighter, but you should always avoid running a car past the tank warning indicator or relying on the trip computer display because they are not accurate.
Myth 7: Leasing is more expensive than buying
Many businesses and motorists fail to properly calculate the true cost of ownership. Looking at list price alone is a red herring and does not take account of the true running costs which should include finance, depreciation, maintenance and insurance. All of these costs can be captured in a monthly lease agreement, which can be less cash draining and more convenient than outright purchase.
For more information on how businesses and company car drivers can save everyday motoring costs, contact Lex Autolease’s Fleet Consultancy team. For impartial advice call: 0844 824 0270 or email: fleetconsultancy@lexautolease.co.uk.
